The Blue Project are Catherine May (soprano), Andrew Allen (guitar and dulcimer), Tim Pells (guitar), Michael Allen (percussion) and Mary Pells (cello). The Blue Project was formed to perform a concert of Joni Mitchell’s album Blue in January 2022 at the Colchester Arts Centre. It was a huge success.
Blue is one of the most highly regarded albums of the past 50 years. Many of the songs have become standards and have been performed and recorded countless times. The album is however rarely performed as a whole. Every song is a gem but the striking thing about this album is the way that it makes such a strong cycle of songs. Blue is an intimate and soulful set of songs in which Joni Mitchell spoke directly about her inner thoughts, cares and conflicts. It was met with immediate success when first released in 1971 and has grown in significance over the intervening years.
The first half of the concert included a selection of songs that set the context for Blue. The second half of the concert was a complete performance of all of the songs on the album. This project was two years in the planning and after two postponed dates in 2020 and 2021 we gave the first performance at the Colchester Arts Centre on the 21st January 2022. It was an amazing evening.
‘Loved every moment of your show, what a talented bunch – very emotional and so lovely to see you again.’
‘An absolute triumph!’
‘Two (that’s two) standing ovations after two beautiful sets. Great night at the Arts Centre!’
‘Two hours of classic songs by a famous Canadian performed with stunning affection and enthusiasm. Undoubtedly one of the best concerts I have ever experienced.’
The Blue Project return to the Colchester Arts Centre: Thursday 26th October 2023
We are delighted to announce that we will be performing again at the Colchester Arts Centre. The second half will be another chance to hear the entire album BLUE in our live version. The first half will be a new selection of songs including songs from Clouds, Ladies of the Canyon and For the Roses. Tickets will be available through the Colchester Arts Centre website.
https://www.colchesterartscentre.com/events/gigs/the-blue-project/
Andrew Allen 