St. Marks Church
Edinburgh
9/10/2023
Saint Marks Church on Castle Terrace Edinburgh had the privilege to play host to Jamie Irrepressible , also known as The Irrepressibles. The singer / songwriter and has 7 piece band consisting of Elliot Lyte (Violin), Charlotte Stock (Viola) , Rebecca Thomas (Cello) , Alice Phelps (Double Bass), Anja Kadir (Accordion, Clarinet and Backing Vocals), Sarah Kershaw (2nd Piano, Vocals, Organ & Clarinet), Thomas Twemlow (Folk Kit and Percussion); and on the Lead Vocals, Piano, Mandolin and Acoustic Guitar, Mr. Jamie Irrepressible.
St. Marks Church is a beautiful space and auditorium and was well suited to the orchestral pop like music that has a sprinkle of cathartic-ness. I could sense the acoustics within this religious Ampitheater were going to melt the Autumn chill that filled the air. His tour has coincided with the release of his new EP Self Love and Acceptance which appears to have been written and created through his own personal journey into this chapter of his life. Having already released the heart warming and self thought provoking tracks “In This Shirt” and “Two Men in Love” and not forgetting the internationally acclaimed song “Most Beautiful Boy” this was sure to be an evening of pure musical indulgence.
The Church was full and with a varied audience age the overall feeling was one off tranquility and stillness. Jamie has an ability to bring his fans into a musical haven that creates a closeness between artist and audience . His lyrics are poignant but also with a lathering of love. Jamie’s music delves deep into the soul and unleashes a meditative state of calmness and warmth. Travelling through his set list was like going on a mind and body cruise which touched you with every chord and lyric. If enlightenment, magic and meditation had a sound it would be Jamie and The Irrepressibles. With human love featuring heavily within his creative work, Jamie allows you to open up the doors of your perception and unlock those thoughts that keeps us constricted to our daily do’s and don’ts in life.
The ambience was felt throughout the entire Church and the silence was deafening. The collaborations of so many wonderful musicians was awe inspiring and leaves you with a warm glow in your heart. Moving, relaxing, endearing and beautiful, I left with a big smile from cheek to cheek. If there is any films out there without a film score then Jamie and The Irrepressible would fill that gap perfectly. A wonderful evening with a very talented collection of amazing musicians that delivered a memorable performance.
Raymond Speedie
Mumble Music 