Rambling On in Timeless Splendor

S. A. Hussey
Nov 9
3 min read

Rambling On in Timeless Splendor

Robert Plant’s Saving Grace, feat. Suzi Dian

Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025

By: Stephanie Hussey

Robert Plant took to the Shubert Theatre stage on Thursday, November 6th, a venue rich in musical history and known for its intimate atmosphere. With charm, wit, and several joyful smiles, Robert returned as a seasoned lion, ever watchful, taking his place slightly off center and welcoming his fellow musicians to join him on this intriguing and less-traveled road. It was a perfect night to escape and journey back to a musical yesteryear - to another time and place.

“Still round the corner there may wait a new road or a secret gate…” ~ J.R.R. Tolkien

The evening was both magical and powerful. Robert’s ability to quiet the masses with a mere glance or slight gesture is remarkable, as is his ability to get people up and dance.

This is the magic of a master bard, creating poetic words that move hypnotically in tandem with the mesmerizing sounds produced by the ensemble of diverse musicians that make up Saving Grace.

Since his career began, Robert has been a 21st-century minstrel. A gypsy who travels and wanders wherever the musical road leads him. From his early days with the Band of Joy to Led Zeppelin through his numerous solo ventures, to his latest project Saving Grace, Robert has taken us on an incredible musical journey.

“Not all those who wander are lost.” J.R.R. Tolkien

On that cool November evening, Robert and his band, Saving Grace, took us on a flight into the past - and they did so gracefully. The musicians accompanying him were not mere backups to support Robert’s vision; each member of Saving Grace contributed a unique sound to the ensemble. Barney Morse-Brown’s cello displayed a voice of its own, from serving as a bass substitute to conjuring up a slow soughing. Matt Worley’s banjo droned like a sitar when it wasn’t offering up English folk; both he and mandolinist Tony Kelsey imbued the songs with otherworldly quality, whether playing those instruments or traditional guitars. Drummer Oli Jefferson was driving the music forward, sometimes nudging, but never pushing, particularly during "Ramble On," when he transformed into thunder, which thrashed one's senses after his gentle touch during the band's folkier verses.

Robert has continued to explore the synergy between his voice and that of a female singing partner—a troubadour seeking another voice that melds effortlessly with his own, creating haunting and ethereal sounds that open space for melodic harmonies. Suzi Dian fulfills this role perfectly. A trobairitz. Her clear voice shines brightly while holding deep emotional resonance. This was especially evident in the lovely but devastatingly poignant “Too Far From You,” where she commanded the gentle rise of the verse before its elegiac descent unveiled profound depths of loneliness. Together, Robert and Suzi traded verses and then united their voices in beautifully timed harmony, as heard in the warm and hazy stomp of "Higher Rock". Their harmonies on "It's A Beautiful Day Today" were simply exquisite. Throughout the performance, the interplay of Robert and Suzi's voices, along with her accordion playing, constituted a masterful and poetic dance of sound and words that left the audience entranced.

Another notable voice deserving recognition is that of minstrel Matt Worley. During “Soul of a Man,” his singing evokes a longing for more. Matt is an extraordinary storyteller, drawing listeners in with the emotional lyrics and guitar work. The soulful quality of his voice is captivating—an elixir you want to have repeatedly.

Robert spoke to the crowd about the current state of the world, expressing his desire to bring comfort and joy through music. He and Saving Grace certainly delivered that. They wandered through time, even nodding to some Led Zeppelin tunes—a gesture that resonated deeply with the audience, conjuring feelings of nostalgia and appreciation for Robert's rich musical legacy.

“Leaves are falling all around…”

The spell broke much too soon, and the sold-out show ended; such was the beauty and mastery of the musicians as they wove their magic over the audience. If you can get a ticket to a show near you, I highly recommend attending.

Setlist for Robert Plant’s Saving Grace featuring Suzi Dian at Shubert Theatre

November 6, 2025