Concert Review - Down In Laurel Canyon, Shakespeare North Playhouse, Prescot

 

Down In Laurel Canyon is an ensemble of Liverpool based musicians who lovingly reimagine the timeless catalogue of songs that emerged from Laurel Canyon between the mid-1960s and early 1970s.

They are Naomi Campbell (guitar, vocals), Karen Turley (guitar, vocals, tambourine), Robert Johnson (guitar, vocals), Dylan Cassin (guitar, vocals), Tom Wilson (percussion, vocals), Sam Rabbette (bass), Rich Smith (drums) and Sarah Sands (keyboards, vocals).

If you’re a fan of the likes of The Mamas & The Papas, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, The Doors, Carole King and James Taylor, you will love this show. These supremely talented performers take you on a journey back to a time and place where it felt as though the sunny days might never end.

The show comprised two 45-minute sets, separated by a 20-minute interval. The opening number was The Mamas & The Papas’ era-defining ‘California Dreamin’’, the perfect start to our trip through the Canyon. Bobby then introduced a song by a band from Hull, America’s ‘A Horse With No Name’, with Sam nailing the song’s driving bass line. Sarah delivered a beautiful rendition of Carole King’s ‘It’s Too Late’, before Naomi took on The Turtles’ ‘Elenore’, showcasing the poppier side of the Canyon. Sarah returned to lead on Joni Mitchell’s ‘Big Yellow Taxi’, deftly handling her unique vocal phrasing.

All bar Karen, Naomi and Bobby then left the stage, allowing the trio, otherwise known as Motel Sundown, to perform a lovely version of James Taylor’s ‘Carolina on My Mind’. ‘Helplessly Hoping’, Little Feat’s ‘Willin’’, ‘Doctor My Eyes’ and John Mayall’s ‘All Your Love’ had the audience singing along, before Linda Ronstadt’s ‘You’re No Good’ brought the first half to a close.

From the ovation they received, it was clear the audience at Shakespeare North Playhouse had thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The second half began with Crosby, Stills & Nash’s ‘Carry On’, a cornerstone of the Laurel Canyon sound. Dylan then took ownership of the night with raucous versions of The Doors’ ‘Roadhouse Blues’ and Neil Young’s ‘Down by the River’. Karen delivered a confident take on Carly Simon’s ‘You’re So Vain’, followed by a full-band performance of Eagles’ ‘One of These Nights’.

Dylan then introduced James Taylor’s ‘Fire and Rain’, explaining how it was written in response to the death of his friend Suzanne Schnerr, before delivering a moving solo performance. The mood softened further as Karen, Naomi and Sarah performed Joni Mitchell’s ‘Ladies of the Canyon’, the standout moment of the evening.

Bobby strapped on a Rickenbacker as the volume lifted again for The Byrds’ ‘Turn! Turn! Turn!’. Little Feat’s ‘Spanish Moon’, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s ‘Ohio’ and  Buffalo Springfield’s ‘For What It’s Worth’ brought proceedings to a close. The audience, keen for more, were rewarded with an encore of ‘Love the One You’re With’.

Whilst it might be the ladies of the Canyon and Dylan and Bobby’s guitars that are front and centre, they could not do what they do without the superb percussion section of Tom, Sam and Rich. Take a bow gents.

Down In Laurel Canyon delivered yet another authentic and vibrant celebration of Laurel Canyon’s rich musical legacy. It’s a lovely thought that they all live close together in Aigburth, an area that might become a hub of musicianship and a modern echo of the countercultural spirit they celebrate.

Down in Laurel Canyon are playing Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall on 22nd January 2026 and tickets may be purchased here, https://www.liverpoolphil.com/whats-on/contemporary-music/down-in-laurel-canyon/9825

Reviewer – Adrian Cork 

On – 18.04.2026