Jesca Hoop is a big favourite here at Manchestertaper. After years of following her career with precious little chance of seeing her live, the news that she had moved to Manchester filled us with a very special sort of joy.

Her first Manchester gig of 2012 saw her in the calming surrounds of the Cornerhouse’s Annexe: a fine space and the perfect setting for an intimate gig that would see Hoop-baked cookies distributed to all. Support was a very fine set from Stefan Melbourne – a name we’ll be watching out for in future.

Accompanied only by Rebecca Stephens’ backing vocals, Jesca treated us to an entrancing set that took in selections from her neglected début, her breakthrough ‘Hunting My Dress’ and even a brace of as-yet-unreleased songs.

The new material bodes well for her forthcoming LP, with the tone varying from the plain daft (‘Hospital’, in which the protagonist prays for the attention that a broken arm would win) to the unremittingly bleak (DNR, which is much as its title would suggest.)

We loved every minute and must say a special thank you to Hey! Manchester for finding yet another fantastic venue. The recording came out very well: we had to tame an errant buzz on Ms Hoop’s guitar but it’s upfront and clear as a bell.

Stream “Angel Mom”:

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Download complete show in mp3 format (click here)

Download complete show in FLAC format (click here)

Setlist:
01 Murder of Birds
02 [chat]
03 Whispering Light
04 Seed of Wonder
05 Four Dreams
06 Enemy
07 The Kingdom
08 [chat]
09 Born To
10 Hospital (Win Your Love)
11 Dig this Record
12 DNR
13 [chat]
14 City Bird
15 Angel Mom
16 [chat]
17 Hunting My Dress

If you download and enjoy this music we would fully expect you to support the artist by buying their records and attending their gigs. Jesca Hoop’s official website is here and her releases can be purchased from record shops of quality and distinction such as Piccadilly Records.