Review By: Lee Abrahall
Twitter: @Official_LeeA

Concert: Under the Apple Tree Session
Artists: The Wandering Hearts, Sarah Darling, Sara Douga, Eleanor Nelly
Date: 7:30pm on Friday 26th October 2018
Location: Bush Hall, London

Bush Hall is a lovely little intimate venue full of history that could tell you stories that you could listen to for ages, but let me tell you the talent shown here tonight all have a bright future ahead.

Bob Harris came out at 7:45 pm and introduced the first act Eleanor Nelly, a singer – songwriter from Liverpool. Eleanor was solo on stage for 3 Songs with just her guitar and she started her set with her current single ‘Polaroid’ which is out now on Spotify. Eleanor then went into her second song ‘Best is yet to Come’ and it was plain to see what a wonderful range of vocals she has. Eleanor’s third song ‘Eventually’ was my favourite from her set. Eleanor then introduced Gregor Philp (Songwriter and producer and Guitarist from Deacon Blue) for her final number ‘Another song with a bloke’. Eleanor left the stage to a round of applause from the crowd with her proud mum watching on the side.

Bob Harris was then back on stage at 8:20 to introduce Sara Douga, a singer from Louisiana. Sara’s roots lie in Classic Country. Sara told the audience this was the first time she had performed on stage in London and up on stage with her was Gregor Philp.

Sara’s latest Album ‘Boots, Bras, and Drawers’ which was released this year has got some great songs, and tonight she shared with us some of her talent. Sara sung 5 songs with a mix of old songs, new songs and a cover of Lynn Anderson.

Sara has been staying with Bob Harris this weekend and has one more Gig before she heads back home. You can catch her at The Ned, London on Monday 29th October in an Under the Apple Tree Live event.

Bob Harris was back on stage at 9pm to introduce Sarah Darling. Sarah maybe from America but she is no stranger to the UK and has been visiting us a lot over the last 3 years and it’s always a joy to hear her sing.

Sarah has a new Album coming out soon called ‘Wonderland’ which you can preorder now. Tonight Sarah mixed her set up with some old songs and new songs. Sarah was joined on stage by 2 musicians and her performance shined through just like the dress she was wearing that lit up….yes you heard that right it lit up!

I loved that Sarah dedicated her third song ‘Shine’ to one of her biggest fans, a 6 year old girl sitting in the front row with her mum.

Sarah’s song ‘Where Cowboys Ride’ was a huge hit with the audience. Sarah left the stage to a loud round of applause.

The Wandering Hearts were recommended to me by my friend Chris and since then their debut album ‘Wild Silence’ is often heard on my playlist.

Tara, Chess, AJ & Tim make up the band and you can see why they have made a name for themselves in the UK and even in Nashville. Their sound is beautiful and they remind me of a cross between Little Big Town and Fleetwood Mac, needless to say I am a fan.

The Wandering Hearts come on stage at 10pm and obviously didn’t need any introduction from Bob. Their performance was electric and you could feel the energy in the room from both the band and the crowd.

The Wandering Hearts Played most of their songs from the Album ‘Wild Silence’ plus an old song and 2 new songs. They kicked off their set with ‘Fire and Water’ which got the crowd joining in. Followed by:

‘Heartbreak Hotel’
‘Wish I Could’
‘If I Fall’
‘Nobody’s Fool’ from their EP release of Burning Bridges.

They then sung a new song ‘Till the day i Die’
They then dropped all the microphones and stood closer to each other to sing ‘Burning Bridges’ , you could hear a pin drop, it really highlighted their vocals. It was then back to the mics for:
‘Laid in the Ground’
‘Rattle’ .

When they sung ‘Devil’ you could feel the roof raising as the crowd joined in and the volume was turned up. The Wandering Hearts left the stage to a standing ovation and the loudest applause of the night. A few minutes later they returned to the stage to sing another new song ‘Drowning in the River’ which is clearly going to be another classic.

Catch them on tour, you will not regret it.

21st November at Komedia, Bath.
22nd November at Patterns, Brighton.
24th November at Exeter Phoenix.
26th November at Norwich Arts Centre.
27th November at Ramsgate Music Hall.
28th November at Islington Assembly Hall, London.
30th November at The Globe, Cardiff.
1st December at Arts Club, Liverpool.
3rd December at Riverside, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
4th December at The Caves, Edinburgh.
5th December at O2 Institute 2, Birmingham.
7th December at Workmans Club, Dublin.
13th December at Altes Spital Solothurn, Switzerland.

During the evening each artist met fans by the Merch stand to sign merchandise and have photos.

It certainly looked like everyone enjoyed the evening, I think the amazing acts enjoyed it as much as the crowd did.
I had the usual gig high when I got home at 1:30am and struggled to get to sleep.