Hi Andy/Yorkie (et al) - Delighted you made the decision to go to Edinburgh, despite your misgivings and you really enjoyed the experience. There is no doubt in my mind that seeing Libera perform live gives you a different/new/better appreciation of their songs. I was lucky enough to attend both concerts in Dublin and Edinburgh and found great differences between the two. I thought the sound in Dublin was far better than last night, I also felt that Fiona's violin overpowered certain sections of certain songs which I found irritating but more on the differneces later. I also thought that there was more like 350-400 in the church rather than 500. I would like to go through some of the songs if you will allow me to indulge?
Far Away - Solo by Ben. He has really grown into that song and I thought last nights rendition was far more assured than in Dublin.
Stay with me - The 'solo' was performed by a trio of Daniel, Ben and Ed with Stephan Leadbetter doing the highnotes. This was unexpected for me as Daniel had done the 'solo' solo
in Dublin but it worked wonderfully as a trio and I thought it was one of the best versions I have heard.
Secret - I had not expected Ben to do the solo on this but I was very pleasantly surprised. I am not a big fan of this song but I enjoyed last nights performance of it.
When a knight - was simply perfect ! and Ed did an amazing job. He really is, at present, the best singer in Libera. I always liked this song and it was one of the high lights for me.
Prayer - Has always been one of my favourites too and I was a little concerned that it was being performed by 2 of the younger members. I had no reason for concern thankfully
the 2 young guy's added a different dimension to the start then were back up very well be more senior members. I enjoyed the different approach.
Mysterium - As has already been pointed out was simply breathtaking, magnificient, moody, theathrical, dark and very well staged. but WOW ... what a performance by Ed !!! incredible, no other words do it justice. This songs is something that has to be experienced live, listening to it any otherway does no do it justice. THE highlight of the night. Why oh why does Ed not get more solo's ??
Sacris Solemnis - Wasn't a patch on the Dublin performance. I was disapponited with this which is a real shame as I really like that song but credit to the boy's they gave there best.
How can I keep from singing - I was really looking forward to this, I have never seen/heard it performed live and to begin with I was a little disappointed that Josh didn't open it up with a solo. Instead it was sung as a group but I got over the disappointment quickly as the boy;s delivered a wonderful rendition and for me it also one of the high lights of the night.
I enjoyed the whole night and the time really flew, it seemed like it was all over in minutes. I would also concur with other comments on Josh and Liam's voices. IMHO this was the last time they will be seen live in the front line. The end of an era. but as one door closes another one opens and with it the opportunity for some of the other members to stake a claim. One immediatly springs to mind; Stephan Leadbetter. Wow he has a super voice and he will replace Liam on Libera (in my opinion) and will join Ed and Ben as a lead soloist for the Autumn tour. Also, with regards to the autumn tour; don't expect to see Tom Cully there and I think we have seen his last performance live in a white robe. He deserved a stand ovation on his own for all he has given to us over the past 5 years and he has my unerring respect and admiration.
Gemma
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