Mr B and I got tickets last year to go see Jason Mraz and Raining Jane at the Lowry in Manchester. When September came around and it was time to make the trek I was filled with dread! It is quite scary to face travel and a gig when you are me. I am no longer used to being around lots of people, and even something as simple as sitting on the couch can cause me great discomfort and pain, so the thought of a 3 or 4 hour drive to Manchester followed by the unknown territory of a gig was really daunting. Luckily I was just the passenger and I could snooze, sing to the ‘Yes’ album and just relax.
When it came time to get to the gig, I nearly finished myself off by doing the supposed 5-10 minute walk to the theatre. It is a good thing that the gig started way later than we thought! - time to regain composure!(ish)
Well, when the show began, all fears of out of control crowds of screaming girls etc just melted away. A very casual Jason Mraz slipped out from behind the curtain and just sat down on an amp and chatted as though it was just him and us! What an amazing start to what turned into a phenomenal evening! The musical abilities of Jason and Raining Jane are just out of this world. Mona Tavakoli had me absolutely gobsmacked from the second she struck the first beat on her Cajon drum box! I was a classical percussionist and for years I was consumed by a love for playing. Sadly over the years, my piano and percussion playing has faded to almost nothing, largely due to lack of confidence and pain. But this fireball of energy and talent just exploded on the stage and didn’t miss a beat or lose an iota of energy. It was so inspirational! Every member of Raining Jane is overflowing with talent. They all play multiple instruments, they sing beautifully and they just ooze happiness and passion. It really is something everyone should see!
A few weeks after the gig, they announced they would be playing in Glasgow! This was just amazing. We knew we had to get tickets as there was absolutely no way we were not taking the opportunity to see that show again, and at home too!! I was hovering over the page waiting for the fan pre-sale to open and BOOM! I got amazing, 5th row tickets. We wouldn’t fully appreciate how good they were until we were there on Wednesday night! (Feb 11th). We were so close to the front. My seat was perfectly positioned to be able to see all the instruments that my inspiration, Mona, was playing and just how passionate and amazing she was. To be able to see Becky playing the Sitar so close up was amazing. She also played the bass guitar and double bass! She is quietly cool throughout the entire event!
Having Jason singing at our side of the stage at one point, it was awesome, there were no people in the seats between us and him, it was such an intimate setting. It really is a fabulous way to enjoy the music of these geniuses!
We were so lucky to get to see this performance, but luckier still to have met Chaska and Mai afterwards. They must’ve been exhausted and just wanting to escape to peace and quiet, but they were so kind and took the time to take photos and have a wee chat! Such lovely ladies!
Mai plays the Cello beautifully, she was on the piano, and guitar I believe, but also singing. The smile on her face when she performs is just so warming. She really does seem to love what she is doing! I really think that they all do!
Chaska has such a beautiful, crystal clear voice. Such a powerful singer, a beautiful soul. She is also a master of many instruments, including the keyboard, glockenspiel, guitar and others that I forget. It really is wonderful to watch someone so happy in their work!
And Mr Mraz himself was outstanding! He is such a funny, lovable guy. So down to earth and caring. I just can’t believe how clear, beautiful and versatile his voice is. I have never heard such perfection in live performances as I do when Jason Mraz and Raining Jane are on the stage. The songs that they performed were so uplifting and magical. My face muscles were so painful as I could not stop smiling the whole time. Whenever I hear live music, it has an inexplicable effect on my mind and body. I get emotionally attached and immediately want to be up there playing too! These guys had the biggest effect ever. I was so uplifted, happy, and energised. I have not felt this way in a very long time and I do not remember feeling much pain during the whole thing. And that is despite having a migraine begin shortly after taking my seat! I may have to follow these guys on the rest of the tour and ditch the medication!!
As always, with any activity I do, I am suffering severely now, even 3 days later. (Mind you, I feel like this all the time anyway) But for once though, it was totally worth it. I actually experienced something amazing and had a wonderful time at it. I thank Jason Mraz and all of Raining Jane for the wonderful effects of their music and for getting me out of the house!
