London in January is a fickle old thingâgrey skies stretch deathly fingers endlessly, drizzle lingers like an uninvited guest, and the sun is, at best, just a rumour.
But tonight, something feels different. The cold has relented, just slightly, as if making room for something brighter. And then, as if on cue, Emily Scott Robinson steps onto the stage and grins: âApparently, I brought the sun with me.â
Itâs a moment of effortless charm but also a statement of intent. Dressed in sparkles and cowboy boots, guitar in hand, Emily is here to illuminate. What follows is exactly what was promisedâan evening of warmth, front-porch storytelling, and connection, where songs of love, heartbreak, and resilience unfold like pages in a well-loved novelâa musical embrace on a winterâs night.
Emilyâs enthusiasm for connecting with people and life in general shines out through her set of songs; each one a narrative of her warm personality and generous view of the world. She starts her set with “Oh My Heart,” a brave opening song with a huge melodic range, and Emilyâs clear, sweet voice hits the highest notes with perfect acuity.
Soft strumming and accomplished fingerpicking accompany her rather gorgeous, almost-too-good-to-be-true voice"
Robinson explains that she and Ron have been friends since 2018, when she played her first gig in Nashvilleâ”…just a girl with a guitar and a bunch of songs.”
Her fingers skip over the strings in a whirl of intricate skill, beautiful and complex chords framing euphonious melodies. Soft strumming and accomplished fingerpicking accompany her rather gorgeous, almost-too-good-to-be-true voice, her songs illuminated by feelings of warmth, recognition, and something ultimately powerfulâsomething we are only beginning to understand: hope.
“Bless It All” and “Cheap Seats” are sung simply and beautifullyâsongs of resilience, matters of the heart, and the warmth and comfort of home. Emilyâs voice carries an undeniable optimism; an audience member even remarked that her voice could make a horror story sound sweet. This anthology of poetic songs was a rich collage of emotions, a colourful patchwork of experiencesâsimply lovely to listen to.
As the stage is rearranged for Ron Pope, lucky customers converge at the merch stall and snaffle up a Ron Pope âMystery Bagâ containing some vinyl, a T-shirt, and other lovely things. Glittery mic stands, fairy lights are wound around, floaty scarves, and candles aboundâthe stage is set for romance, heartfelt connection, and passionate fervour from Ron Pope. This audience is made up of long-time fans, and The Garage is full.
Joining Pope on stage are Kaitlyn Raitz on violin/cello, his long-time friend Zach Berkman on bass/mandolin, and a surprise additionâold friend Ollie Sears on drums, depping in for the usual drummer, Matt Scibilia, who has the flu. Thereâs an explosion of energy and synergy as Pope immediately engages the audience (who already love him anyway) with powerful, infectious lyrics and a driving beat as he opens with “Nobodyâs Gonna Make It Out Alive.”
You get the sense that Pope is completely immersed in the music"
You get the sense that Pope is completely immersed in the music, feeling every note as he moves with an energy that seems to radiate through his fellow musicians. The harmonies are fresh and satisfying, and each band member teaches the crowd a part, allowing us to join in joyously and enthusiastically with the three-part song. The show continues with fast-paced, upbeat tunes contrasted with introspective ballads; a perfect mix of old and new, the crowd responding with utter joy to their beloved classics while listening intently to fresh material.
Pope has a great big voice; rich, powerful and mesmerising, it is full of emotion. Its versatility is spine-chillingly impressive as he switches from strong, rhythmic numbers such as “Hell or High Water” and “Mama Drove a Mustang,” punctuated with plaintive, driving sections on the harmonica.
Pope shares his passion for his country as he tells us about his new record out next month, “American Man,” and performing “Iâve Gotta Change or Iâm Gonna Die”âin Ronâs words, “A hopeful, not hateful song.” Itâs a fervent, passionate performance, with a driving beat, emotive lyrics and every note filled with purpose and conviction.
A particularly magical moment was when Ron, Zach and Kaitlyn came into the crowd with their instruments to perform “I Pray Iâll Be Seeing You Soon”; the audience was still, spellbound and stirred by the beauty and poignancy of the joining together of these three stellar musicians.
Emily was welcomed back on stage to join Ron and the band for “Iâm Not the Devil”âa song from Ronâs new album âAmerican Man, American Musicâ. Itâs clear that these two have a special connection and chemistry as musicians and friends as they weave a magical tapestry together. This is something special.
This was the last night of the European leg of Ron Popeâs tour, and it felt truly special to be at The Garageâpart of this pulsing, emotive, passionate exploration of heart and soul. The finale came all too soon with “Drop in the Ocean,” followed by “The Life in Your Years,” dedicated to us in an acoustic and deeply personal fashion. It was a glorious culmination of all the emotion, warmth, and congeniality felt here in Highbury tonightâa celebration of the raw, emotive, and captivating singer and performer that Pope undoubtedly is.
Emily Scott Robinson and Ron Pope  played The Garage on January 30th 2025Â
