The Rise of Mumford & Sons to 'Wilder Mind'

As a young group of lads from South West London, who 7 years ago were arranging their own gigs for petrol money, the 'gentlemen of the road' have certainly travelled a long way. Now on their third album, two of which rocketed to number one, both here and over the pond (I think I am as surprised as anyone to hear their debut and arguably best album didn't reach the top spot!). 4 Billboard Awards, 2 Grammys, 2 Brits, starred in their own film, set up their own festival as well as headlining the biggest festival in Europe, some may argue the world!

I first had the pleasure of seeing Mumford & Sons at Glastonbury in 2008, where they still seemed humbled to be playing on The Park Stage at 2pm to an audience of about 20 at the most. Made up largely of people sitting down or sunbathing, with the exception of the stereotypical, meandering, dreadlocked 'free spirits', who most probably have never left the festival grounds. Despite the lack of audience they played with exactly the same enthusiasm and gusto as they did when they headlined 5 years later. It was there that I found myself, not only on my feet but spinning round, arms linked with the confused vegan wastafarians (wannabe Rastafarians) I had earlier been rather quick to judge. I think that is the endearment of Mumford & Sons, that they really have no target audience. This was made apparent 5 years later when they reached the peak of what was a sensationally fast assent up the Glastonbury line-up roster. This time, I was stood in knee deep mud with the quintessentially British sideways rain slapping me in the face, whilst my friend berated me for missing his favourite grime syndicate, 'Boy Better Know'. It was at that moment that Mumford & Sons took to the stage and the mud and rain seemed to fade into insignificance. I looked to my left and my complaining companion was leaping up and down like a frantic child's first trampolining experience. So why with their latest album, 'Wilder Mind', have they ditched the crowd bouncing country for leather jackets and electric guitars?

I think this album has been misconstrued by a lot of fans for commercialising their original and boisterous sound, however it takes maturity to have the confidence to try something new. This new look, sound and most importantly producer, gives the band another string to their bow. When they could have most probably churned out another very similar foot stomping, banjo bashing country album, they chose instead to diversify and improve themselves as musicians. In an interview a few weeks after their latest release the band explained how their band name was originally a joke that stuck, however I think the name couldn't be more apt. The band may have changed their style and instruments but the thing that defines them as Mumford & Sons is Marcus Mumford's phenomenal vocals. He has a timelessness to his voice that is both husky and masculine in a strangely delicate way, which makes him and his rambling posse all the more endearing.

From a leafy country lane to a concrete industrial estate

The true test of 'commercialisation' will be when they embark on their festival filled summer tour and the ratio to new album to old within their set lists. I strongly believe it won't be a showcase for their new sound and if anything their live performances of their new album will bring a bit of contrast to the performance and make romping around a field to 'Little Lion Man' all the more enjoyable.

I strongly believe comparing modern artists to those of the 60s serves no purpose, however if you are going to compare The Beatles to anyone please never liken them to Simon Cowell's Frankenstein monster. Look to Mumford & Sons, who never set out to be super stars, but strive to make good music for the fans they love.

A Connoisseur's Guide to London's Best Jazz Spots

London has a huge jazz heritage and the most iconic names of the genre have been lighting up the scene in the big smoke since the early days. Most of London’s jazz venues pay tribute to the only true American art form almost every day.

1. The most famous one of them all is the swanky Ronnie Scott’s on Frith Street in London.  Created by music-lovers for music-lovers, it has played host to almost half a century of the biggest names in jazz. A place for young and old, Ronnie’s place in Soho is going strong since 1959.

2. Tucked away behind the antique shops and auction rooms in Chelsea is the 606 Club on the Lots Road. For a true authentic jazz experience and a totally unpretentious vibe this is the place.

3. Another favourite in Soho is Pizza Express on Dean Street by Soho Square. Construction on the Cross Rail has obscured the venue from view but is still bopping with delicious jazz every night of the week.

4. The Bull’s Head, or the Bull as it is known to the inner circle, is situated beautifully on the river Thames in Barnes and is regarded as one of London’s best loved jazz venues and has been visited by the likes of Ben Webster and Maynard Ferguson.

5. The Boisdale is the upmarket cigar smoking, whiskey drinking and tartan wearing restaurant and bar in Belgravia. More a gentlemen’s club than a jazz hangout, it has occasionally some little gems playing.

6. A real secret is The Haggerston on the Kingsland Road in Dalston. From Sunday’s 11pm onwards it is “jazz time” and jazz is served in many formidable shapes and forms. 

So get out there, grab yourself a whiskey and a cigar and soak up the capitals best blue note spots.