Saving Grace with Robert Plant, Regal Tenbury - review
There are no airs and just simply amazing grace involved with Robert Plant's new band which has been touring from Ireland to the Isle of Wight.
At a sell-out show at The Regal at Tenbury Wells Plant showed that not only does his voice seem to have acquired even more depth but his collaboration with other Midland musicians as part of the band Saving Grace is set to soar.
His harmonies with Northfield-based Suzi Dian, who has an outstanding voice, are so well suited they bring a magic and beauty to the stage.
Backing them, but also a very integral part of the show, was Matt Worley, from Stourport, who proved his masterly talents on banjo, acoustic and baritone guitars as well as cuatro.
Oli Jefferson, from Northfield, on percussion, proved his worth as did Tony Kelsey, from Bewdley, on mandolin, baritone and acoustic guitars.
Plant as usual was balletic on stage but also generously stepped aside to allow fellow bandmates to show off their skills.
I saw the band at Worley's The Swan at Stourport a year ago and since auspicious beginnings it has developed into something really magical.
Plant has drawn on influences from the past in American music and announced that he has many influences to draw on and produce many songs not heard by audiences.
The band has been performing at smaller venues but next year will undoubtedly take to bigger stages so try to catch a glimpse if you can.
By Sue Smith
