Annabelle Chvostek, Union Music Store (Lewes, UK 3/2/13)

What do you do on Saturday afternoons? Me, I often go to Union Music in Lewes and listen to the musicians who are playing an in-store. Today, ahead of a sold out evening show in the town, Annabelle Chvostek pitched up on the shop’s tiny stage, accompanied by Jeremie Jones on acoustic bass and Tony Spina on percussion and treated us to a thirty minute taster of her new album, RISE.

A multi-instrumentalist (and former Wailin’ Jenny) she is deservedly proud of receiving a Juno nomination for RISE, which takes much of its inspiration from the ‘Idle No More’ movement in Canada. Not afraid to wear her political heart on her sleeve, she writes incisively about the grassroots uprising in her native land and beyond, wrapping hard hitting lyrics around catchy melodies.

The five-song session included a cover of Velvet Underground’s Some Kinda Love – it is on the album. She finished with The End of the Road explaining that it includes a ‘people’s chorus’ and encouraged the gathering to join in where appropriate. We did!

These in-stores are completely acoustic (i.e. unplugged), they are free, but a tip jar gets passed around and everyone throws in a contribution. It is also an opportunity to buy the album, get it signed and meet the artist – an absolutely delightful way to spend an afternoon.

Union Music Store host similar sessions most Saturdays – the roster of artists appearing is excellent – check out www.unionmusicstore.com and join in the fun! Jela Webb