Since Worcester’s finest music venue opened all those years back, I’ve witnessed countless bands and numerous singer-songwriters pass through the hallowed doors, from the good, the bad and the ugly, there have been packed out gigs and there’s been the woefully unattended, the forgettable and the never forgot, the Marrs Bar has seen it all (and so have I).
On an unassuming Sunday evening The Marrs Bar welcomed a young singer-songwriter for the first time by the name of Ethan Ash and in front of an audience of around about twelve people (don’t get me started about the apathy of the so-called Worcester gig-goer) he proceeded to deliver what has to go down in history as one of the most impressive debuts (if not gigs) at the venue since the grand opening.
From the opening number, Would You Mind, Ethan, with just his guitar for company, grabbed the attention of the few in attendance and bewitched them with his stunning, mesmeric voice, his instantly likable stage mannerisms and those all important hook-laden songs. Tales of love and loss were delivered with such emotion, such passion that every note hit by Ethan yanked at the heart strings, it was almost difficult to comprehend how a guy, short in stature could reach such impressive heights, his voice swooped and soared whilst his guitar (both acoustic and electric) rang out.
On the sole cover, As Long As I can See The Light (originally Creedence Clearwater Revival) you could almost imagine a gospel choir joining in as Ethan made the song his own with a stunning soul makeover, whilst originals such as Seems Like Love Has Died, Face To Face and Boy Like Me all equally impressed, whilst the encore of Chasing Your Love has hit written all over, with it’s compelling folky melody and infectious vocal hook.
Sure there may not have been many people in attendance, but there wasn’t a single person in the building not moved by Ethan’s jaw-dropping set, soul has a new name and that name is Ethan Ash.
Before I run off into the sunset proclaiming Ethan as the new messiah, I must also mention Alex Rainsford, who offered support on the night, he delivered an interesting set that combined an indie sensibility to the standard singer-songwriter fare, time changes and anthemic vocals, creating stirring anthemic like songs such as Better Man and brand new track Left Behind, both standouts of an impressive slot, proving Alex to be a more than capable writing and performer, who’s well worth keeping an eye out for in the future.