Live Review: Sammy Rae & the Friends

By Rosie Burgess | December 13, 2023

Words by Amrita Hari Prabhu

Sammy Rae & the Friends is a band I’ve been connected to for the last two years. With such a unique and bold presence, among their jazz, funk, and theatrical instrumentalisation they have enthralled me for a while. The band is made up of seven members and the multi-instrumental approach together with their chemistry creates such an electric performance – leaving you feeling like a part of something.

On the band’s international tour, they stopped for a show at Bristol’s sold-out SWX. With a few new singles and covers under their belt since earlier in the year, there was a significant buzz for their return. Intertwined in their current setlist, they added three new songs from their as-yet-unreleased album, Luck Of The Draw, David, and Coming Home Song, Alongside these new numbers the band’s playful nature was on display with two covers of Are You Gonna Be My Girl by Jet, and Lay All Your Love On Me by ABBA.

What makes this band stand out is the individual talent of all seven members. With so much character, each instrument fits in so well yet holds such stand-alone power. Topping the whole show off, Sammy Rae’s vocals are so beautifully gritty and soulful, with so much control and definition, that her voice magically fills the space. Their main message throughout was self-love, acceptance and finding yourself – sentiments which they communicated between songs. 

A beautiful message, Sammy Rae left at the end of the night saying, “You have a place in this world” and lastly, “to bring a friend next time,” which I certainly will do, as I await their pending album release and next international tour.