The ARC in Stockton was already buzzing with anticipation before George Bailey and his band had even set foot on stage – and they certainly didn’t disappoint.
The set opened beautifully, with George on acoustic guitar and Sam Kennedy on electric, easing the room in with ‘Nowhere For Me Now’. The track bathed the audience in sonic warmth and immediately showcased the pair’s instinctive chemistry. Song two saw the arrival of Jake Diaz Wright and Kev Bailey – George’s dad – on bongos, for a heartfelt dedication to a close friend. ‘Feels Like Forever’ was tender, intimate and musically enveloping.
Then came the arrival of Ellis Preston on bass and Ed Jackson on drums, and the room truly came alive.
From there, the band powered through tracks from the new EP, ‘Dream’, with a cohesion and energy that was genuinely thrilling to witness. The musicians performed almost as a single unit, constantly watching one another, anticipating every movement and delivering a live sound that had feet tapping and the crowd completely engaged.
A special mention must go to George’s beautifully embroidered two-piece, created in collaboration with Beth Wilson Embroidery of Stockton – an iconic stage outfit if ever there was one.
