Far From Saints are a band which features Kelly Jones of Stereophonics fame, along with Patty Lynn and Dwight Baker from The Wind And The Wave. They arrived at Southampton Guildlhall on a bitterly cold December night as part of a 16 date UK Tour.
The show on Saturday night had a somewhat magical feel to it, with fairly lights as a back drop and the early feels of Christmas in the air. The show delivered everything we could have expected, it was a captivating showcase of the talent that this band has to deliver a very different sound.
Their self titled album is far from the loud rocking arena busting music expected from Jones. What they deliver is a more gentle, subtle country rock. It is a sound that suits the gravelly voiced Welshman perfectly, as it combines beautifully with the vocals of Lynn, working together with great harmonies. It really is truly delightful.
With a feel of familiarity for their fans, they bring the album to life with the first four songs performed as the album order. Opening with ‘Screaming Hallelujah‘, a beautiful duet in which the blend of Jones and Lynn’s vocals is something to savour. Followed by ‘Faded Black Tattoo‘, and the brilliant ‘Take it Through the Night‘ where Lynn takes the lead vocals as they finish it with an extended ending that propels the track in a live setting.
Another song from the album, ‘Let’s Turn This Back Around’ was a real highlight. With perfectly balanced vocals bringing out the country element of the song. Other songs from the album included ‘No Fool Like An old Fool’, ‘Own It’, and ‘We Won’t Get Out Alive’. Along with ‘Gonna Find What’s Killing Me’ and main set closer, ‘The Ride’.
The band weaved a number of classic covers into their set. Their version of the Stevie Nicks and Tom Petty hit ‘Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around’ was superb live. A track previously sung by Jones and Lynn on the former’s 2019 solo tour, prompting the formation of Far From Saints. They also gave another Petty song an outing, with ‘American Girl’. Along with the Allman Brothers Band’s ‘Midnight Rider’, as well as Lynn singing Cher’s ‘Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)’.
Far From Saints may well be a side project for all involved, but it deserves its own spotlight. The sound, the show and the vibe are magical and different from anything many fans will have experienced before. Fans (like me) left this show on a high, eagerly awaiting the next instalment from Far From Saints.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farfromsaints/
Website: https://farfromsaintsband.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/farfromsaintsband/?hl=en
Words & Photos by Mark Butler.
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