Lau Land presented a generosity of spirit from talented musicians who want to share their craft and encourage others.
The weekend of 17th – 19th May saw the folk band Lau host a whole range of events at the Howard Assembly Room. They presented other artists, ran participatory workshops and performed. There was even a family-friendly ceilidh on Sunday afternoon. I went along on Saturday evening to the Lau Unplugged session to see what makes this band so popular.
Lau seemed genuinely pleased to be in Leeds. Whilst Lau Unplugged is being performed in seven venues across the country, only Edinburgh and Leeds have been selected for Lau Land. The band made reference to the wonderful venue a number of times and ended the gig by praising the ‘vibrant City of Leeds.’ I suspect they had also been attracted by the great organisation at Howard Assembly Rooms. Just as Martin Green said, they ‘like to give promoters a challenge.’
The first part of the concert saw Aidan O’Rourke on fiddles, Martin Green on piano accordion and Kris Dever on guitar and vocals, sitting together at the front of the stage. They might have been at home in their lounge, or in a lounge bar. Their relaxed approach showed the ease of their musicianship and put the audience similarly at ease. They may never have left their seats, but this was far from a static performance, Green at times looked like his chair and accordion might launch into the audience.
The trio have now played and composed together for eighteen years. They are clearly comfortable together but still pushing musical boundaries. Earlier in the day, all three had led workshops and the day before they had promoted a concert with Jesca Hoop. Lau Land events are about celebrating their music and developing the music of others, whether they be audience members or rising artists on the folk scene.
The second set showed their theatrical side. Chairs had been moved to a raised platform to one side. However, much of the time was spent in motion across the stage. The show might be unplugged but that didn’t stop a high level of technicality. The microphones, which were frequently moved, became part of their musical toolkit. The music was both melodic and experimental. There is an unpredictability about their compositions, but the music always flows and mood changes morph easily from contemplative to exuberant.
The stage was decked with a ‘We Love the NHS’ banner. This was never referred to but accompanies all their gigs: part of who they are. The band were sincere in thanking the audience – many of whom were musicians themselves and long term fans – and the venue. We were asked to think about buying merchandise but also to donate to Medical Aid for Gaza in the buckets on their stall. Both nights ended with further music in the bar at Kino.
The weekend finished with an open session in the Kino bar area. Lau Land had been an opportunity for the band to shine, but it was also about sharing their skills and music: enabling others to continue the tradition.
