WHAT could have been a disaster turned into a triumph at St Helen’s church, Alveston on May 1.

Miranda Sykes and Rex Preston had been joined by their friend and fellow musician Grant Gordy for the first concert in their tour as a threesome but Grant’s guitar had been ‘lost’ somewhere between his home in New York City and his arrival in England. Now a musician without his instrument, about to play a concert to a packed house, is not a good thing. The airline assured Grant that the guitar has been found and would arrive at the church by 4pm but at 6.30, with the concert due to start in an hour and a half, there was still no sign.

Just as the trio were hurrying into their car to make a mad dash to Bath to borrow a similar guitar from a friend, the missing instrument arrived…to the profound relief of all concerned. As Grant had only arrived the day before there then followed a frantic rehearsal to ensure everyone was ready to play together!

However then end result was nothing short of spectacular. Miranda, Rex and Grant were clearly on an adrenalin rush playing together and the lack of rehearsal time seemed to add a dangerous edge to the performance. Rex on mandolin and Grant on guitar seemed to have almost telepathic communication, holding eye contact and following one another’s lead through song after song. As Rev Dave Pole commented “they were so incredibly tight musically that it reminded me of the early days of Pentangle – I just loved it”.

Particular songs that stood out were “The Watchmakers Wife”, about the contrast of intricate skills with a cold relationship, and “Me and My Sister the Moon”, where Miranda’s soaring voice had people in rapture. But the enduring memory of the night is of three gifted musicians playing their hearts out and obviously loving every minute.

The next concert at St Helen’s is Phil Beer on September 24. For further details check out our Facebook page ‘Music at St Helens Alveston’ or call 07973 496525

By Steve Hitchins