More music!

Today we visited Aldeburgh and The Maltings, Snape.

Renowned for its annual Festival and close association with Benjamin Britten, Snape is probably best known as a a favoured destination for what might be called 'serious concert goers' However it offers much more- riverside walks, crafts and art exhibitions,  food and drink and shopping,  lots of shopping!

The music on offer is also more eclectic than you might think.  In August The Maltings hosts its own Proms season : '30 great nights out in August.  Folk, Roots and World, Popular Classics,  Classics   Jazz,  Poetry and Pop'

We went on Country Music night. Two UK bands played to a packed house -  Raintown and Ward Thomas. They were great,  tight harmonies, plenty of acoustic guitar backing, homely but deep lyrics. Ward Thomas even sang a version of, 'take me to church' (see earlier Blog!) Interesting to contrast it festival experience

# no fancy lighting effects and modest amplification. The music spoke,  or rather played for itself.
# very different audience participation,  polite clapping even some cheering between songs by very little clapping or singing along during songs,  even when encouraged by the band
# altogether a more sedate crowd! There was a prom area but the promenaders sat on cushions,  very disciplined!

I reflected on the place of congregational participation in church 

However the 'stripped down' nature of performances meant we heard more of the singers and appreciated the poetry of words and we're left to ponder to lyrics such as Ward Thomas new single writing on the wall.  More research needed.

Great night and an unexpected opportunity to encounter a different aspect of spirituality in popular culture,  music amid other expression of arts, the natural environment and creativity