Elles Bailey In-Store Album Promotion at Assai
Reviewed by Matt James • 25 January 2026
On Friday, 23rd January 2026, Elles Bailey made a stop at Assai Records, 1 Grindlay Street, Edinburgh, as part of her whirlwind tour to promote her new album, “Can't Take My Story Away.” The store was packed with eager fans, all anticipating her arrival. When Elles appeared on the makeshift stage, she exuded a relaxed and confident presence.
Elles kicked off the performance with the title track from her latest release. Accompanied by Demi Marriner, who provided guitar and backing vocals, the song’s stripped-back arrangement was well received by the audience. However, it was apparent that Elles’s voice was huskier than usual.
After the opening number, Elles addressed the audience, apologising for her limited upper register due to a lingering cold affecting her sinuses and voice. She sipped hot tea between songs in an effort to soothe her throat.
Elles shared the story behind her single ‘Growing Roots,’ explaining why she always considers it a number two song rather than something to hold back for the encore. Despite her cold Elles delivery was first class and she even managed to encourage a lively singalong from the crowd.
Next was ‘Constant Need To Keep Going.’ Although her illness impacted her vocals, Elles’s dedication shone through as she gave her all to the performance, earning enthusiastic applause from the appreciative audience.
The show then shifted to a more emotional tone with two deeply personal tracks. ‘Better Days’ was written by Matt Long, formerly of the band Catfish, who rose through the ranks of blues music alongside Elles. Sadly, Matt was diagnosed with an aggressive cancer in 2023; despite the blues community raising over £100,000 for treatment after the NHS could no longer provide care, he passed away in October 2024.
Elles originally recorded ‘Better Days’ for a charity album supporting Music Minds Matter. Later, with permission from Matt’s parents, she included a new version on her own album. After sharing this poignant backstory, Elles and Demi delivered a heartfelt rendition that moved the crowd.
The next song, ‘Tightrope,’ was another emotionally charged moment. Co-written by Elles, Blaine Harrison, Henry Grace, and album producer Luke Potashnick, the song reflects on a difficult period in Elles’s life marked by mental health struggles. She spoke candidly about the song’s inspiration and encouraged anyone facing mental health challenges to seek support.
Despite her cold, Elles and Demi closed the set with an energetic performance of ‘Take A Step Back.’ Applause and cheers erupted before the last notes faded, echoing out into the Edinburgh streets. Elles responded warmly to the audience’s affection, sending hearts their way.
After the show, fans enjoyed a meet and greet, collecting CDs of Elles’s new album, which were included with admission, and getting them signed along with the obligatory photos with Elles, can’t call the selfies as the pictures were taken by a member of Assai staff using each person’s phone. There was also an opportunity to purchase a special NFT music laminate featuring the album along with bonus material (eleven additional tracks), with all proceeds going to Music Minds Matter.
The evening was a resounding success, leaving attendees smiling as they departed into the damp Edinburgh evening. Despite battling a cold, Elles’s voice held up, and the stripped-back arrangements highlighted both her talent and Demi Marriner’s exceptional guitar work. Elles will return to Scotland on 25th March, headlining St. Luke’s in Glasgow with an eight-piece band including a horn section. A show not to be missed for fans of outstanding live music.