Elles Bailey – Live – St Luke’s & The Winged Ox – centralpressr

Review By Darren McIntyre

Elles Bailey is a Blues / Roots / Rock Singer / Songwriter / Pianist from Bristol, England who originally formed in 2010. Apart from her own headline shows Elles has opened for the likes of Jools Holland, Don McLean, Van Morrison, Eric Gales, Mike Farris, Kris Barras Band & King King, Elles has given us Wildfire in 2017, Road I Call Home in 2019, Blacktop Companion in 2019, Ain’t Nothing But(Live) in 2020, Shining In The Half Light in 2022, Live @ The Fire Station in 2024, Beneath The Neon Glow in 2024 & earlier this year brought us her colossal new album Can’t Take My Story Away which she is touring right now. Tonight Elles drops into St Luke’s to bring her incredible band to entertain us, please settle in as I take us through this awesome show that will certainly tell us that this fantastic musician is one to watch for sure, as the lights dim and the house PA fades Elles and her awesome band take to the stage and immediately hit us with –

Can’t Take My Story Away – The place erupts as Elles launches into her opening track from the album as the soulful, bluesy groove oozes from the stage as tonight gets off to a cool start. The addition of the brass section certainly gets the juices flowing as the sound is elevated to another level for sure, the punchy rhythm section just lets the groove build as we feel the energy coming from every musician as they let us feel the depth of this incredible track as it weaves it’s way through the venue to tell us that Elles & her band have arrived, I can tell you that this is my first time seeing Elles in all the years I have covered her lockdown shows to album, single reviews and it is nice to finally catch her live as we stroll into –

Growing Roots – A cool, funky, punchy brass section kicks things off as this toe tapping piece lets the guitar licks wander freely through the track as the place just embraces this incredible artist. The backing vocals really elevate the song as Elles asks us to join in and sing with her whih we try to do, the place is just getting into the groove as the energy rises and really wraps itself around us as the cool Hammond style keys that are littered throughout the track just let the tone work it’s way through the venue as we roll into –

Better Days(Catfish Cover) – The toe tapping groove comes at us with a nice, mellow keys intro that again lets the brass section deliver a sensational addition to this incredible band. The funky, mellow bassline is hitting us with a sultry, meaty tone that fits the arrangement perfectly as Elles leans in and lets her soulful, mellow vocals lead the charge of this cool cover and a nod to the incredible talents of Mr Matt Long(sadly no longer with us). The tone is just infectious and fun as the place gets into the whole blues / americana tone that is just putting smiles on people’s faces for sure as we lean into –

How Do You Do It – Demi gets the blame for the addition to the setlist of this classic track that brings a tinkling on the piano as the rhythm section controls the direction of this toe tapping blues infused number. Demi is strumming away on the acoustic guitar as this mellow number weaves it’s way through the venue as Elles wanders around the stage and lets her smouldering blues soaked vocals take the track onwards, the stage is awash with such talent it is just a joy to watch and listen to as the band dig deep and let us feel the energy, blues and depth coming from the stage as the place claps along and feels the groove wrap itself around us for sure as we drop into –

Deeper – Elles gives a shout out to Kelpie(Tour Manager) who works tirelessly to drive the band around, set up merch and do all things behind the scenes which brings a huge cheer. A cool Hammond style keys intro flows freely into the track as the rhythm section lets the snare punches fill the air as the brass section kicks in and leaves us wanting more as this soulful track comes to life, the place is just bubbling with joy as Elles really brings the soul to tonight’s gig as she leaves her heart and soul on the stage as the band just gels together and gives us a real bluesy, melodic tone that fits this grand old building down to the ground as this real thought provoking number eases gently through Glasgow tonight as we jump into –

Help Somebody – A slick, classy guitar lick opens the track as the killer keys weave their way through the intro as Elles lets her incredible vocals take the track onwards. The brass section is just adding layers to this fantastic body of musicians as the tempo builds with ease as the toe tapping ditty really kicks in as the band delivers a real funky beat that is so infectious, the place is rammed and really feeling the love oozing from the stage as the tracks just tell us why this incredible musician is so good. The cool keys section is elevating the track so much as it just lets the tone weave it’s way through the venue, up next –

Love Me Like A Man(Bonnie Raitt Cover) – There is a real uptempo groove wandering through the track as Elles unleashes her smouldering vocals that let this cool cover come to life. The keys are rippling freely through the track and really let the soul come at us as the brass section just hits us with all it has as the place feels the love coming from Elles & Band as we enjoy the tone, texture, melodies that are easing their way through the venue tonight as Elles puts her slant on this killer cover, the trumpet is adding that real jazz feel to tonight’s performance as the place sings along with the chorus as Demi leans in and lets us feel the depth of the track as we drop into –

Constant Need To Keep Going – Elles tells us that her desire to succeed is the story behind this next track as CTMSA was made inbetween inbetween BTNG and Elles says to us she doesn’t know why she was always tired, the answer was simple. The piano tones are rippling through the intro she leans in and lets her colossal vocals tell her story as this emotion filled track really grabs our attention, the rhythm section is hitting us with a soft snare beat as the dark, brooding bassline lets the groove wrap itself around us as the place is silent and really getting into the track as Elles leaves us feeling loved and wanted as this track just needs no explanation as we know she works tirelessly and wants to bring us the best version of her she can and I will tell you it showed tonight as we roll into –

1972 – This is a real funky, mellow track that lets the sax and trumpet lead the charge as the funky groove eases into the venue as the place sways from side to side and lets the vocals tell their own story. The cool Hammond style keys are adding depth, swagger to this slow paced groover that has us fixed on the stage, the band are really enjoying themselves as they leave no stone unturned as they strive to bring us a gig that we won’t forget in a hurry and I will tell you that this will be talked about for a long time as we stroll into –

Angel – The song kicks off with a cool rhythm section that lets the groove build as the brass section kicks in with a toe tapping, funk laden beat that is just so infectious. Elles lets her cool vocals lead the way as this groover really opens and allows the band to really take the track skywards as we get into the groove and feel the energy pouring from the stage as this cool show just builds and builds, the stage is just bubbling with talent and it delivers in truckloads with such ease as the trumpet notes fill the air and let the rhythm section bring the funk as the slick, crisp guitar noodles really give the track depth and texture as we shift through the setlist and stumble into –

Elles Bailey Concerts & Live Tour Dates: 2025-2026 Tickets | Bandsintown

Let It Burn(Elles on Keys & Vocals) – Elles wanders around the stage and tells us about 2025 on tour with Rag n Bone which was simply incredible, the story goes that Paul asked Elles to play on one of her albums and Elles tells us that he already played on her record and she never knew. The addition of the brass section just adds depth and layers to Elles Bailey and boy we appreciate it, Sophie Stockham Brown is on the saxophone and Elles tells us that she played with Sophie many many years ago which brings a huge cheer from the crowd. The track kicks off with Elles introducing the band one by one as the cheers continue as Elles lets her smouldering vocals lead the charge in this highly emotional number that just grabs our attention as the place falls silent as we watch the stage and feel the love pouring from every musician as we drop into –

Tightrope – Elles tells us that many, many people reached out to her about this track as it touched them in so many different ways as the soulful, delicious vocals wander freely through the track. The snare drum kicks let the rhythm section command the direction of the track as we feel the emotion oozing from the lyrics as the place watches Elles as she tells her own story as it made her feel so vulnerable, the band are giving their all in this thought provoking track as the place taps it’s toes and feels the love oozing towards us tonight as we roll into –

Love Yourself – The tempo changes pace a little as Elles brings a real smooth tone to the track as she talks about her body and what this track means to her as she embraces what she is all about. The tempo changes pace as the toe tapping beat oozes from the stage as the slick, sweet guitar tones ripple towards us, the place feels the depth of the track as the band dig deep and really let the tone tell it’s own story. The night has been a wonderful night of blues, soul, americans and bringing tales from the road that just delight the audience, we are heading towards the business end of the show as we roll into –

Leave A Light On – The tempo jumps a little as the track begins with a real toe tapping groove that lets the rhythm section bring a snare kick that just elevates the song as Elles leans in with her gravelly style vocals that are wrapped in the sultry Hammond style keys that just work so well. The band are just upping the tempo as the brass section just commands the room with it’s punchy, mellow tones that are wrapped in crisp guitar licks that have a meaty, funky. delicious bassline that brings the whole thing together, we come to the last track of the night or so we think –

If This Is Love – The tempo comes hurtling towards us as Elles lets her fantastic vocals lead the way as the night comes to a nice ending as the band kick it up a notch as we finish on a high. The brass section has been a revelation for sure as it has really given the band an injection of heat that just allows the show to reach new heights, the mellow keys section is just rippling through the venue and adds depth, swagger and bags of attitude that will certainly carry Elles onto the next time she comes to Scotland. The place waits patiently as Elles and band grab a well earned rest before returning with –

What’s The Matter With Yoy – Elles goes walkabout with this sultry, mellow number as the place falls silent to let her bring a real intensity to the last but one track. The rhythm section is commanding the room with it’s punchy snare kicks as the piano, bass and guitar licks really let the tone flow freely, the place is fixed on Elles as she showcases her incredible talent that just grabs our attention as the crowd appreciate her musicianship that has been top notch tonight as we drop into the last track of the night –

Take A Step Back – We finish off on a high as the band kicks off with a real foot stomping beat as the cowbell rings out and lets the rhythm section lead the charge of this cool number. Elles leans in with her smouldering vocals and has the cool brass section to elevate the song as we clap along to this nice little number that is just a cool way to finish the night, a strong 17 song set is just perfect and showcases the maturity, depth, tone that Elles has gained throughout her career. Joe steps forward and hits us with a little guitar ditty that lets the brass section kick in the doors and really let us have it.

Elles Bailey –

Elles Bailey – Vocals / Keys

Joe Wilkins – Guitar

Demi Marriner – Acoustic Guitar / Backing Vocals

Matthew Ware – Bass

Jonny Henderson – Keys

Paul Jordanous – Trumpet

Sophie Stockham Brown – Saxophone

Matthew Jones – Drums

Setlist –

Can’t Take My Story Away

Growing Roots