Half a century ago in a farmhouse in Kent, a young girl was shown middle C on the piano by her father and left to explore. It wouldn’t be long until the dazzling complexity of Wuthering Heights announced to the world the genius of Kate Bush.
Over the next 40 years, Kate embraced every conceivable technology and exotic instrument, aided and abetted by bass player/studio engineer Del Palmer. The music evolved beyond recognition but the piano remained her greatest inspiration, the key feature of her most emotionally-affecting songs.
Last October members of the critically-acclaimed Kate Bush tribute band Cloudbusting were joined by Del Palmer on tour around Ireland, adding his electric upright and fretless bass to Mandy Watson’s vocals and Michael Mayell’s keys. It was the first time Del had played this music live since Kate’s Tour of Life shows in 1979.
“I wanted to celebrate 40 years of Kate’s music by working on some of her lesser-known songs with Mandy and Michael. Songs that some of my heroes and great friends contributed memorable bass parts to. Songs we worked so hard on in the studio to create complex arrangements also work so well in this simpler, more intimate setting.” Del Palmer
Cloudbusting have been named by BBC One as one of the most authentic tributes in the world, touring theatres and music venues across the UK since 2012. The Kate Bush Song Book is a pared-back sister project featuring stunning arrangements of lesser-known album tracks as well as all the hits such as Babooshka, Hounds of Love and Cloudbusting.
All performances of the previous Kate Bush Song Book tour in Ireland sold out, so this August the trio are bringing the show to the North of England and Scotland. The Song Book visits The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, on Saturday 10th August.
The evening promises to be a magical appreciation of ‘This Woman’s Work’ alongside the man who helped create the magic.
Show details:
The Kate Bush Song Book featuring Del Palmer
The Brewery Arts Centre, Kendal, Saturday 10th August
Seated
Tickets £18.50
Box Office 01539 725133
