Meilyr Jones plays an intimate, invite only show in London and it’s a treat

26 May 2016, 18:55 | Written by Ed Nash

(Live)

(Meilyr Jones)

Having released one of the year’s finest records, Meilyr Jones, ever the egalitarian, tonight (25th May) played a lovely show at the Round Chapel in Hackney, to thank his friends, family and the players of his wonderful album 2013.

His father took the role of emcee, introducing the opening song as “"How to Recognise a Work of Art", by my son, Adrien Meilyr Jones’”. Once Mr Jones senior had his say, his son played the bulk of 2013 accompanied by not only his wonderfully lithe four-piece band but also with a choir, brass section and orchestra.

With the audience sat in the balcony and the floor of the church given over to Jones and his players, the Welshman was a force of nature, alternating his attention between his orchestra, choir, brass section and band, but constantly remained a frontman of compelling force.

He also worked on his own, “Refugees”, was a solo recital played on a grand piano whilst his collaborators smiled blissfully along. To cap off an evening of celebration, Jones and his ensemble finished with a new song that takes the orchestration of 2013 and cranks up it another notch.

On tonight’s evidence, this summer’s festivals will lap Meilyr Jones up.

Setlist:

How to Recognise a Work of Art
Don Juan
Passionate Friend
Refugees
Rome
Strange Emotional
Return to Life
Love
Olivia
Featured Artist
Be Soft
All is Equal in Love
New untitled song