Bathgate, Scotland
The UK music scene would usually be preparing for Glastonbury Festival this weekend, but a fallow year to allow the grass to recover and regrow in time for next year has allowed an incredible project to come together, allowing a different type of growth to emerge in its place. Everywhere at Once has seen thousands of grassroots venues across Britain host acts both large and up-and-coming to promote both their music and the invaluable role that these venues play in local communities. Tonight, Bathgate’s Purple Orange was filled with an eager crowd for two incredible Scottish talents, Jasmin Jet and headliner Brooke Combe. The intimate venue is a vital part of the music scene in West Lothian, Scotland, and it supports both artists and fans by promoting weekly gigs, running stages at local vents to showcase the amazing young artists wehave and also participates in Gig Buddies, a UK charity that matches volunteers with people with learning difficulties and allows them to build friendships and attend clubs and gigs that they may not otherwise manage. It was truly fantastic to see such a great team, dedicated to growing and sharing music, play host to two of our fastest rising talents.
Jasmin Jett was first to take to the stage, and the Falkirk singers acoustic set was the perfect showcase for her blend of soul, with a more blues-tinged feel than the full band experience of her new EP “Trust The Process”. Every song stands up to the adaptation of being played on acoustic guitar, and her emotive voice and lyrics belie her 22 years. “Classy Woman” and “Drama Queen” show an understanding on the song crafting process, and a slow, sultry cover of Brittany Spear’s “Toxic” was a great reimagining, a subtle undercurrent of menace matching the lyrics.
Back in Scotland after a whirlwind year, which included an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live and a sold out UK tour, Brooke Combe’s unique, modern take on the Northern Soul sound has resonated with fans of the genre and beyond. Accompanied by her guitarist Danny Murphy she began the intimate gig with “The Last Time”, from her latest album “Dancing At The Edge of The World” and immediately the audience were pulled in. Brooke has performed several acoustic shows with Danny, and the two are perfectly in sync with each other. Again, the music stands just as powerfully without the full band and Brookes vocals are killer, her voice as distinctive as her sound.
The authenticity shines through too in every song and in every interaction with the audience, and a cover of “You’re Losing Me” by Barbara Lynn was beautifully done. Her sound has been honed from a love of Motown from her childhood in Dalkeith, Edinburgh, and expanded as she grew and found Northern Soul. The songs never feels like a copy, her lyrics are deeply personal and with a freshness that makes every song uniquely hers.
The set continued with new single “Tears Won’t Lie” and “How Can I Tell You?”, with the closeness of the venue allowing for conversations to be had with the crowd. One member asked Brooke if she feels she’s rejuvenated the genre, and as a young artist it does feels like she’s opening it up to a new generation, to allow them to dance and just have fun.
A deeply touching cover of “Caledonia”, in memory of a much loved cousin, had the audience helping to carry the tune when it got too much. As the set was about to draw to a close, Brooke was thankfully talked into performing a couple of extra songs and her version of “You Can’t Hurry Love” had the whole room up on their feet and dancing along with her, stealing the Scotland football fans chant and turning it into “No Brooke, No party”. Sadly, the evening did have to come to a close, and “Dancing on The Edge of The World” and “Hanging On” were the perfect close to the night. As she stood happily meeting everyone who had come along to such a special local venue it’s worth remembering that she’s supported Benson Boone across his US tour, as well as Tom Grennan, Jeff Goldblum and, this summer, Lenny Kravitz – but still came out to support our local venues and artists. Brooke Combe is a name that everyone needs to watch out for this year.
BROOKE COMBE SETLIST:
The Last Time * This Town * Pieces * A-Game * LMTFA * You’re Losing Me * Tears Won’t Lie * How Can I Tell You? * Price To Pay * It’s Not Over * Caledonia * You Can’t Hurry Love * Dancing At The Edge Of The World * Love Was Made of Stone
Jasmin Jet: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Youtube
Brooke Combe: Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Youtube
Show Date:06.27.26
