THAT NIGHT IN LEAMINGTON

A beautiful live album from masters of folk and melancholy symphonic prog Mostly Autumn. This is an exquisite performance form the band as it was a night to remember being the last concert with the incomparable Heather Findlay. It was recorded live at Leamington Assembly, 2nd April 2010, a fitting arena to host such a momentous occasion for the band.

As a farewell concert to the consummate vocalist it works well, as the atmosphere is charged with electricity with the band launching into some of their most well known and revered material. There are a plethora of live albums that have emerged over the years from Mostly Autumn but this one must be one of the best. Just about every one of the classics are here from 'Spirit of Autumn Past' to 'Heroes Never Die' that stand the test of time and still retain the power and majesty of the band at their best.

The set list opens with 'Fading Colours', 'Caught in a Fold' and 'Flowers for Guns' that are upbeat and melodic with some incredible musicianship. Bryan Josh has some amazing guitar passages on songs such as the opening of 'Spirit of Autumn Past' and he also has a gentle voice that sounds like David Gilmour. In fact the band are highly influenced by Pink Floyd as is well documented. Heather Findlay plays some instruments with acoustic guitars, whistles, and percussion. Iain Jennings is a fantastic keyboardist with dramatic outbursts of piano and some drifting synth lines. Anne-Marie Helder is lovely on flutes, keyboards, piano, acoustic guitar, and backing vocals. Liam Davison's rhythm, acoustic and 12-string guitars are an essential component and he also plays slide guitar sometimes. The rhythm is provided by Andy Smith's bass and Gavin Griffiths' drums. Olivia Sparnenn is essential on backing vocals, and this was her last concert in the role as she took over as lead vocalist.

The concert is very long and features all of the best Mostly Autumn songs ending on the quintessential 'Evergreen' that is even more emotional for Findlay as she farewells her band and her fans in her last performance. The 'Farewell speech' is here and is quite moving. She says she would be hard pressed to even get close to finding musicians of such calibre, such passion and talent as Mostly Autumn, with an agreeable response from the crowd. She had a few "what are you doing?" moments on this night. She thanks the fans and says. "quite frankly I couldn't be leaving it in better hands."

This album is a fitting farewell to the princess of prog folk and it signifies the ultimate epiphany for the band as they move on to a new chapter in their career.