In February, when funds are low for ticket buying and no sensible person would consider holding an outdoor gig in the UK, the BBC steps in to do the country a huge favour. They turn over their Maida Vale studios to bands and other performers to record live for their audience, sometimes helped by the considerable musical resources available to the BBC, and of course, friends where necessary. Everyone performs at least one cover. This year’s season kicked off with a coup. Coldplay, augmented by Laura Mvula, performed some cherished hits, songs from their most recent album and chose as their tribute The Proclaimers’ classic “Sunshine On Leith.” Continue reading »