What a pleasant surprise to learn of a one-off show in Ireland by Over the Rhine, husband and wife duo Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist. Together they have been making music for over 30 years now and their creative output has been at a consistently high and impressive level throughout. The decades have also been very kind in terms of performance dynamic and tonight the Belfast concert provides ample proof of just how polished and powerful they continue to be in a live setting.
The set list of twenty songs spans much of their superb discography and tracks are included all the way back to 1991 from the TILL WE HAVE FACES album, and through to the most recent release LOVE AND REVELATION in 2019 last. There are currently two new albums in the distribution process with HYMN TIME IN THE LAND OF ABANDON (a collection of old hymns and gospel songs), and TEN SONGS WITHOUT WORDS (solo piano from Linford) available to order on their website. Tonight there is no merchandise for sale as their recent dates in Holland cleaned out everything they brought over for the short run of European dates.
Reverend Steve Stockwell promoted the show tonight and his work at the Church is to be much admired in reaching out to the local community and especially in highlighting the synergy that exists between art and faith. To quote Linford from the Over the Rhine website “ From the very first time I sat down at a piano, I discovered that melodies were available. A river of music was already flowing up above me. When I closed my eyes and pressed a few black and white keys, something beyond words would begin to make itself known. It made it difficult not to believe that music was a miracle of some kind or other.” Aptly put and exactly what is delivered tonight with the beautiful, soaring vocal tone of Karin delivering a magical element and the subtly melodic playing of Linford on piano interpreting the song progressions. Both also play acoustic guitar to great effect together and Linford speaks of his locally sourced Lowden model with great affection.
Karin has a sweetly soulful delivery that contains a resonance that captures a moment in ethereal exultation. Her ability to bend and hold notes is quite a gift and the harmony vocals of Linford perfectly compliment the bright colours that emanate from their performance. The creative interplay is so perfectly judged that time seems almost suspended in the quiet reverence of this beautiful Church setting. There can be a risk in playing at such unique venues and a sense of respectful silence could permeate proceedings, but Karin and Linford are well practiced in such circumstances and their easy communication and conversation with each other and the audience sets the tone for a very rewarding and special evening.
The songs tonight are taken from eight of their back catalogue releases, with a few new songs also being road tested for a future recording project. Both After All and Nothing fit seamlessly into the standards we have come to expect from the duo and another song Bella Luna is played, one that has yet to appear on album, although it has been performed live over recent years. Included in the haunting and inspiring performance are favourites such as The World Can Wait, Born, Drunkard’s Prayer, When I Go, Latter Days and Like A Radio. There were no songs from the Ohio album (2003), a personal favourite, but one can’t complain as the quality of everything included is so high.
When Karin wants to change the dynamic and the pace of the show, we are treated to great renditions of Trouble and Entertaining Thoughts, along with a superbly captivating All My Favourite People as part of the encore. Yes, it was one of those nights when it felt like the stars aligned and everything was at peace in the World. Take a bow Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler, it was sublime.
Review by Paul McGee