Rodney Crowell @ The Seamus Ennis Centre 19th October 2011

In a perfect listening setting Rodney Crowell brought his solo Chinaberry Sidewalk tour to the intimate surrounding of the Seamus Ennis Centre. This show was a mix of newer material, old favourites, reminisces and readings from his memoir Chinaberry Sidewalk. As he tuned up he made the comment "I Know what your thinking... I tune with style and panache". He then began a 21 song set that included songs with humour like It's Hard To Kiss The Lips At Night That Chew Your Ass Out All Day Long and poignancy like 'Til I Gain Control Again, songs that show sympathy for others as in Ridin' Out The Storm. His first reading was about his mother's epilepsy and how a group of ladies came to their house to exercise the demon that they considered the affliction to be. It was told with humour, understanding and insight. He was in fine voice and held the audience in his two hour show that included also a slightly unkempt duet with his daughter Chelsea (his opening act) on Why Don't You Love Me Like You Used To Do, the Hank Williams Jr. song. He also took some audience requests that saw him trying a version of I Walk The Line (Revisited), a song he said he doesn't often do for obvious reasons. Other highlights include Closer To Heaven his song that lists the things he now finds favour for and with, Leavin' Louisiana In The Broad Daylight, Ain't Living Long Like This, The Rock Of My Soul and a cover of his friend and mentor Townes Van Zandt's Pancho and Lefty. Two other readings from his book were about his grandfather in his grey wool suit and fedoro and going for a haircut! He also described a fight his parents had that became a turning point in their relationship. All of this highlighted that, though it had taken a long time to finish Chinaberry Sidewalks it is a work that is as rewarding as his songwriting has proved to be on record and live through the years. 

Review by Stephen Rapid, photography by Ronnie Norton

Bray Vista@The Cobblestones - Friday 10th September

iPhone photograph by Ronnie Norton

Forced by outside circumstances into a hiatus since the recording and release of their excellent Jim Lauderdale/Leo Pearson produced album Let It Ride Bray Vista played a rare gig at The Cobblestones. With members now living in different continents it meant that only 8 of the 9 members were available, but with such a large line-up, featuring three lead vocalists, meant they had it covered. The lack of gigs and rehearsal, not unexpectedly, showed in places but not to the overall enjoyment of the evening. The solid rhythm section powered the songs along and piano and mandolin added depth, even though the latter was inaudible at times. But special mention must be made of Johnny Evans whose Telecaster and Steel guitar gave the band its direction and focus and he contributed several fine solos to the proceedings. Lead vocalist Neil Tobin writes some strong songs, usually on the nature of love and relationships and in the 25 song set they played many of these including L.O.V.E, First Impressions, Keep On Keepin’ On and the encore Reprise which pledges the friendship of the Bray Vista Social Club, something that is evident onstage. Co-vocalist Alison Byrne also impressed with her soulful voice and took the lead on a number of songs including If It’s Alright, a song she co-wrote with Tobin. Brian O’Dwyer added another vocal texture when he took the lead for a couple of songs and also contributed to the overall sound on rhythm guitar and accordion. Along side their own songs they peppered the set with a number of classic cover including Byrne’s emotive take on Loretta Lynn’s Rated X. Other audience favourites included songs from the Louvin Brothers through to Gram Parson’s Ooh Las Vegas and on the songs of influences like Bill Monroe with Blue Moon Of Kentucky and Waylon Jennings' Good Hearted Woman. The set ended with the song they usually close their shows with, that was Will The Circle Be Unbroken with featured most of the band taking lead vocal on a verse and with the audience joining in on the chorus, as they did on the final encore You Are My Sunshine. That they are not playing regularly is a loss all round as they are that rare band that plays with integrity and passion and with a eight piece band money is definitely not the main focus here. One can only hope that circumstances will change to allow the various members the time and proximity to perform and to record more regularly. For now this one-off gig show how ragged but right good Irish country (rather than Country & Irish) can and should be.

Review by Stephen Rapid

Brad Paisley @ The Olympia Theatre, Dublin 19 August 2011

Brad Paisley onstage with Darius Rucker (inset) using a local beverage bottle to good advantage.

If there was ever any doubt that a healthy market for Nashville’s country music existed in Dublin it would have been blasted out of existence Friday night. It was a first come, first served downstairs-standing-up gig and the crowd was queuing neatly for 150 metres down Dame Street at twenty past five. And the doors didn’t open until 7.

I can’t say much about the Darius Rucker gig as I was stuck backstage for most of it, but from what I did hear he was in amazing voice, had a tight band – he’s far too experienced for anything else – sang some of his hits and the crowd loved his show. And it couldn’t happen to a nicer guy – he’s a sweetheart with a fabulous voice and is a great songwriter who loves what he does.

Brad Paisley was instantly at home with the crowd and if they loved Darius Rucker, they adored Brad, singing along with every word of every song. He played for roughly 2 hours with two acoustic solo numbers to break up the almost overwhelming power and sound of the band. The solo numbers were Whiskey Lullaby and When I get Where I’m Going To and showcased his acoustic playing and voice.  Brad is known for his amazing guitar playing and his reputation was thoroughly burnished, not tarnished by the gig. It’s true: he is a spectacular guitarist and in regard to his other talents, songwriting and singing he fully deserves his CMA Entertainer of the Year title. The band are versatile and very, very good, particularly Kendal Marcy on keyboards and banjo and the flamboyant Ben Sesar on drums, although to be fair, the steel player (Randle Currie) sounded great when we heard him, but the sound varied from place to place.

Working on a Tan was dedicated to a sun-starved Ireland – and we need it! Other highlights were  This is Country Music, title track to Paisley’s most recent album, Celebrity , I’m Still a Guy, I’m Gonna Miss Her (aka The Fishing Song), and the night’s climax was a full stage – crew and Darius Rucker included – rave up of Alcohol.

Enterprising promoters take note: the audience is there, even in these parlous economic times we have the time and the money for good music – just bring it in and we’ll be there.

Review by Sandy Harsch. Photography by Ronnie Norton

Brian Setzer Rockabilly Riot Vicar St. Dublin 27th July 2011

Still walking the walk, Brian Setzer joins his upright bassist and drummer onstage in his stylish rockabilly threads and they proceed to rock the town with a set of uptempo workouts that see cohorts Noah Levy on drums and Johhny Hatton provide a solid foundation for Setzer to display his undoubted prowess as a guitarist of the highest calibre of Gretch rockin' twang. Songs for that segment of the show included '49 Mercury Blues, Drive Like Lightening, Crash Like Thunder and This Cat's On A Hot Tin Roof. He then slowed things down with Slow Down. They band were also joined by pianist and acoustic guitarist Kevin McKendree who played some fine Jerry Lee style keyboard skills. Setzer understanding of pacing allowed things to build in an organic, if fairly frantic pace. He did a nice segue into a countryish Folsom Prison Blues early into the set. It should also be noted that Setzer is a strong vocalist able to handle the different tempos and styles with ease. The initial rhythm section then left the stage to be replaced by original Stray Cat drummer, singer and all round showman Slim Jim Phantom and a second double bassist Chris D'Rozario. Phantom's kit was a stripped down snare and cymbals set up. The bass drum providing a platform for Slim Jim to stand on rather than being used as an actual rhythm instrument. None the less this partial Stray Cats reunion was much loved by fans and Phantom and Setzer seemed to enjoy playing off each other. Old favourites were played including the theme song Stray Cat Strut. Phantom enthusiastic playing saw the destruction of one snare skin along the way. Johnny Hatton then rejoined the stage and the two double bassist began a slap string showdown and some gymnastic displays with the instruments which then led to Setzer joining them with his own silver sprayed double bass and the trio then worked together in harmony and competition. The Rockabilly Riot tour undoubtably is as much a spectacle of skill and showmanship as it is pure rockabilly. But that doesn't detract from the general audience enjoyment who were obviously delighted to see these guys up on stage together. An extended Fishnet Stockings was soon followed by an encore which included all band members on stage for a fitting. They did and we smiled.

Double Feature. John Mellencamp @ Grand Canal Theatre 28 June 2011

The show started early with Kurt and Ian Markus' gritty and attractive documentary It's About You, shot in hand-held style on grainy Super 8mm film it follows Mellencamp around the States, touring and recording his last album with T-Bone Burnett. It's insightful and visually arresting but perhaps a little long for some of the audience whose attention drifted towards the bar. The show itself, a 22 song set, which ran for almost two hours opened with the sentient voice of Johnny Cash before the curtains opened to reveal three guitarists with electric guitars and a drummer playing a stripped down kit of snare and standing tom and an acoustic bass guitar. The played with a concise power against a theatre backdrop of ancient ruins, which seemed somehow appropriate given that Mellencamp music draws from a deep well of old American music forms.

Mellencamp played a choice of songs that came from various points in his career. He started with Authority Song and closed with R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A. Though he told the audience that he "didn't like to look back" he included a fair number of his better known career songs alongside some more recent songs. He did make the point that he had been asked by a fan on the Dublin's street to play Cherry Bomb and said that while he doesn't normally "do requests" this request was asked for so sincerely that he played it solo acoustically. He open with the full band which had expanded, after a couple of songs, to include violinist Miriam Sturm as well as keyboards and accordion player Troye Kinnett. They are all musicians who have played with Mellencamp previously, some are long time veterans like guitarists Mike Wanchic and Andy York who, with the dynamic rhythm section of John Gunnell and Dane Clark, are the perfect band to deliver Mellencamp's memorable songs in a cohesive, powerful set.

It was nine songs in before Mellencamp spoke to the audience. He thanked us for coming and then played an acoustic set that included Save Some Time To Dream which he said was some advice his father had given him. He also remarked about the young dangerous looking young men he saw in his travels but that the grey haired person sitting beside was probably a more dangerous prospect. At 60 Mellencamp is still looks pretty dangerous himself and he gives a sterling performance which is much appreciated by the very supportive audience, most of whom would undoubtably be long time fans judging from the response.

Mellencamp is very much his own man and records and plays his music exactly the way he wants too. He balances the acoustic songs, which often started solo then had the accordion and violin join him, which added to the power of the subtly of those song as against the full force rocking roots anthems. He included favourites Jack And Diane, Paper In Fire, Pink Houses, Walk Tall and Small Town. Songs that sit seamlessly alongside more recent songs like The West End, No One Cares About Me and  , a song that he told us was a true story about a night out with his son that ended with a fight. 

Though some still regard Mellencamp as standing in Bruce Springsteen's shadow, this night proved that Mellencamp is very much his own man with the charisma, songs, voice and band to deliver a memorable live experience that satisfied on many levels.

Review by Stephen Rapid, Photography of off-screen image and live photograph by Karl Tsigdinos

Emmylou Harris @ The Grand Canal Theatre - 28 May

Emmylou Harris is one of those artists. She came to my attention first as a backing vocalist years ago & then through her more recent solo work, namely the stunning Wrecking Ball record produced by atmospheric master Danny Lanois.

She has guested on what must now be over hundreds of records, many of those classics. Her ethereal, textured & unique backing vocals, I would often say, make a track. Her vocal passion, depth & originality cannot be matched - on record. She has worked with artists ranging from Patty Griffin, to Neil Young, to Daniel Lanois, to Midnight Oil to Gram Parsons. A few years back she made a stunning record with Mark Knopfler which many including myself, hold in high regard. For those achievements alone & as a backing artist she is rightly considered a legend in the country music scene.

This was the first time I had seen Harris live & I was hugely excited.

Harris walked on stage to an almighty cheer from the crowd. Despite this warmth she started off in shaky fashion. Perhaps it was the first show of the tour? It doesn't seem so. She didn't do credit to her well known recorded version (or Gillian Welch's original version) of Orphan Girl. Part of her vocal charm is her textured & liberal approach to melody but really this was not good vocal form. Her voice felt ropey & to anyone with even a hint of a trained musical ear, she was clearly not close to making many of the higher & lower notes.

As things moved on, Harris clearly felt more comfortable onstage singing her own songs from track 3 onwards. Her band were putting in a fine performance but they lacked a leader despite a stunning effort from her drummer who played with a lovely feel & solid metronomic attention to tempo. Perhaps they were under-rehearsed?

Things stooped a little lower when she admitted to the audience that her fret marker stickers on her guitar neck were missing as she'd had to change guitars due to technical difficulties. This meant she didn't know how to play the upcoming tune & left a very difficult silence for a number of minutes until she worked through the tune onstage prior to performing it. Always a vibe killer.

Later in the show she hit something of a stride especially with some of the newer songs she's written. Performing her own finely crafted tunes was indeed her strength on this night. As a writer she started late in her career but it's obvious a large part of her talent lies in writing & adding that extra sparkle to other artist's performances. There's something to be said for some artists having either a live or a studio voice.

I'd say that some are born to be lead singers & others are born to remain a support to those lead singers. Unfortunately to my mind Harris belongs in the latter category & although the entire crowd seemed to go wild for the performance, the show lacked direction & vibe.

The show very clearly tapped into the nostalgia revival going on these days with the likes of reunion tours & 3rd time reissues of classic records judging by the age group of the audience in attendance.

It's worth saying that the majority of the audience seemed to go wild for the show calling for an encore from Harris & her band The Red Dirt Boys. Unfortunately for this reviewer I seem to have been at a different gig from the one the audience around me were attending.

I will perhaps be shot down for writing an honest review of this show, but Emmylou, we expected better. I'm really grateful to have seen this legend in concert but for me I'll always enjoy her tweaked & produced records & backing vocal appearances far more than seeing her in concert as a lead artist.

I'd say her new record with some class production will be a stunner though. 'Hard Bargain' (produced by the wonderfully talented Jay Joyce) is available now from Harris' Official Website & you can listen to the album for free on Groove Shark here (listening to selections now it sounds pretty special).     

Review by James Cooper.

Photo by Ronnie Norton.

The Secret Sister @ Academy 2 - Wednesday 18th May

Greeting the audience with a cheery "how is everybody" the Secret Sisters charmed the small but enthusiastic audience. This suggests that sisters Laura and Lydia Rogers may not be such a secret for too much longer. Both Sisters play rudimentary guitar, though Lydia tells us that her sister is better at it (and Lydia agreed) and that she has never really got betteras a guitarist. But the truth their playing works in context and really it's their voices that everyone is here to hear. Both sing lead on different songs with Laura generally singing lead on the self-composed songs. They also included several other songs from their self-titled debut album including Why Baby Why and the traditional Do You Love An Apple. Noting the comparison that has been made between themselves and the Everly Brothers the delivered a striking Devoted To You, which included two fluffed lines from Lydia much to the amusement of Laura. But was was apparent with this song and throughout the evening was the striking harmonies the sisters bring to their performance. That and a natural exuberance which is evident in the stories and general observations that Laura gives between the songs. These included the fact that European hotel rooms are much smaller that ones in the U.S. and therefore leads to the pair having small tantrums, something that she reiterated a number of times. That, in it's own way adds the the openness and intimacy of the evening. That they had sung in church was reflected by the inclusion of several gospel songs including their self composed River Jordan. Laura said they were still finding their way as they were "new to being artists". They paid homage to artists they had grown up listening to with versions of Patsy Cline's Leaving On Your Mind which Lydia sang solo. Laura cracking that sister Lydia would be "a big country star" when they broke up. They told us that they were so proud that Hank Williams Sr. was from their home state of Alabama and then sang a spirited Your Cheatin' Heart. Laura also told us that she had moved to Tennessee when she was young and that "a boy broke my heart when I was there" this was the reason she had written Tennessee Me. This led to her revealing that they were really looking forward to flying home the next day to see their parents and that they were both "Daddy's girls". Other tales including touring with Willie Nelson but staying off his bus. They brought support act Simon Lynge onstage for an excellent three voice version of Dream Lover. There is a rawness to their performance that is endearing and infectious and it remains to be seen if that will be lost once they become veterans of the industry. It can be hoped that they stay this way for as long as possible for they are a breath of fresh air in an over-produced musical world. The closed with an acapella rendition of You Belong To Me that was stunning and a final testament to their talent and undoubted charm.

Review by Steve Rapid, photograph by Ronnie Norton

Lonesome Highway goes to SXSW

Row one: Jon Byrd, Troy Campbell, Eilen Jewell, Row two: The Hickoids, Zoe Muth, The Wagoneers with Joe Ely

Row three: James Hand, Eddie Spaghetti, James Intveld.

This was my first visit to both Texas and SXSW and yes it was as crazy as everyone had said it would be. The amount of music on offer, in any given genre is overwhelming and, in truth, as has often been said you can't see everything. So you set your targets and try to catch those you haven't had a chance to see live previously. John Conquest's alternative show is one you could just simply spend your entire weekend sitting at the one spot, in this case the G & S Lounge and listen to a whole lot of good music. Another spot where a lot of good things were happening was inside in Threadgills. Though it's a working restaurant and unless you want to eat continuously a little less easy to spend an entire day there.

As it happened I caught two bands who played in both locations Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers and Eilen Jewell. Both play contemporary country, are strong singers and songwriters and have fine bands. Jewell, interestingly played substantially different sets at both locations. At Threadgills she played more songs from her upcoming album. In a way these two sets provided a fuller more normal picture as the nature of SXSW showcases is that most acts are playing 30 to 35 minute sets. This is often a pretty good way to get to know a new act. I saw some singer/songwriter sets that included the inventive songwriter Matt The Electrician among others. At the Bloodshot showcase at the Yard Dog shop I got a chance to view Jon Langford's original artwork and to see Exene Cervenka, Freakwater, Whitey Morgan and Eddie Spaghetti. The latter two playing some roughed up country songs in their sets. Other highlights included a rare performance by Troy Campbell, who played a new song in his short set but proved he should be playing more. Jon Byrd with guitarist Tom Mason was good as was the roots rock of Deadman. The Hickoids are a combination of many influences but the pedal steel gave a roots edge to their raucous and entertaining set. James Hand and his backing trio played a very hardcore set of traditional country music at the Saxon Pub and proved why he is a local legend. Two other acts caught at the Continental Club were John D Graham and James Intveld, the latter with Rick Shea playing lead guitar. The highlight, however for this writer was catching the first set from the newly reformed Wagoneers who still sound unique and vibrant with their Buddy Holly inspired country music. The songs were largely from their debut album but sounded great, as did the closing song were they were joined by Joe Ely (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0rQUWKzTPYk). This is one of the bands that got me interested in the music in the first place and they sounded good at the Austin Music Awards. However I caught a second appearance later at the Continental Club where I got up close but their sound was unbalanced and bass heavy from where I stood and lacked the impact of the earlier performance but both bode well for the future. I also got to see Roky Erickson but that's a whole other story.

Steve Rapid

Lucky Bones @ The Sugar Club, Dublin - 24 Feb 2011

This new Dublin band were using this date to launch the album Together We Are All Alone. The album was recorded in Barstop,Texas by singer/songwriter Eamonn O'Connor and some session players. O'Connor then put together this band on his return to do full justice to the songs which show O'Connor to be an interesting and intelligent writer. The music covers several bases and influences, including country and roots rock, celtic soul and '60s based melodic pop. In the live context these disparate elements are drawn together by the versatile band. With a solid rhythm section of Leon Kennedy and Ben Clark powering the songs over which keyboard/banjo player Conor Miley and guitarist Billy Morley added texture and grit to the songs. This made the live band renditions of the songs rougher edged and punchier than the recorded versions. Songs like their debut single Longshot, Toward The Setting Sun, Stand So Tall, Unbelieving Eyes, Frank Sinatra and the extended, intense closer Commercial Presentation are all memorable and melodic. Eamonn O'Connor is convivial frontman who leads the band from the front and is a captivating singer. This is early days for Lucky Bones who have only played a handful of gigs to date, which included opening for Marty Stuart as an acoustic trio, and sound issues with monitors and small tuning problems should soon be eliminated with experience and confidence. That two of the stand-out songs, including the song of infatuation bordering on stalking - , are new songs shows that this band can only get better. These are tough times for any new band, especially one making its own way in the world but the signs are that these guys, if they hold their nerve, will be lucky.

Marty Stuart & The Fabulous Superlatives @The Helix, Dublin. Feb 2nd 2011

Sparkle and Twang. That may well sum up Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives as they gave a masterclass in how to keep a tradition alive and healthy. At the outset Marty Stuart said that "the most outlaw, most outsider thing you could do in Nashville today is to play country music". How right he is, and as someone who has been at the heart of the music, its people and its rhinestone look he knows what he's talking about. In his first visit to Ireland in quite some time he captivated the audience in the intimate Helix Theatre. It was his first visit with his current and longtime band which includes 'Handsome' Harry Stinson on drums and vocals, 'The Apostle' Paul Martin on bass and vocals and 'Cousin' Kenny Vaughan on guitar and vocals. The "and vocals" shouldn't be underestimated as all four deliver distinctive and dynamic contributions either on harmonies or stepping up to the mic themselves. Each member showed themselves more than capable of holding their own. Vaughan sang Country Music Has A Hold On Me, while Handsome Harry sang a song from his Who Is This Man? mini-album, Paul Martin sang Bluegrass Express. It also was a gig that emphasized what a talent Marty Stuart himself is; from his exemplary vocals, his lead guitar playing - using Clarence White's B-Bender Telecaster, alongside his acoustic guitar and mandolin dexterity, highlighted in a section of the show that he played solo. The full band played songs from the early days like Tempted and Hillbilly Rock to a selection of songs, often prefaced with stories of how the came into being, from Ghost Train and Badlands. They also played several songs from the CD that is only available at gigs and from their website Cool Country Favorites. These included the theme from the Marty Stuart Rural TV Show La Tingo Tango as well as his Johnny Cash tribute, a song which he had explained he had attempted to write in several occasions, Dark Bird. He also sang Merle Haggard's Tonight The Bottle Let Me Down, an audience request, and a part of obvious and warm interaction between the audience and the band throughout the show. The music covered all aspects of what makes country cool to those who know and believe in it's merits. From bluegrass to Bakersfield, from honky-tonk to gospel they covered it all with skill, humour and commitment that made it a perfect show in so many ways. Mention should also be made of Mick Conley's sound mix, as all too often in the past gigs have been too loud and volume does not replace dynamic, here they got it right in every aspect. Something that was expressed by many of the audience who waited to have a CD signed, have a picture taken or just to say "hi". The foursome sat for an hour after to make sure that anyone who wanted to had the opportunity to meet them. Now that's country.

Justin Townes Earle, 25th January 2011, Whelans, Dublin

"Alright, Ladies and Gentlemen, how are we doing?". Justin Townes Earle greets the house-full audience and launches into a 25 song set that covered songs from all three of his albums. He prowled the stage like a caged tiger, full of pent up energy and the need to express himself. This was frustrated at times by a temperamental tuner "technical difficulties" but otherwise Earle was in top form. Most songs were prefaced by anecdotes relating in some way to the song he was about to play. They Killed John Henry was prefaced by a mention of his grandfather Jack Earle. Mama's Eyes, a song for his Mother who he told us stood over 6 foot tall and managed to detach one of his father's retinas with a single punch. He also mentioned she was now using Facebook and said that if "she ever gets on Twitter I'm through". Earle live is quite a different prospect to the JustinTownes Earle on album where he utilizes a full band and range of instruments. Live he uses his considerable guitar technique that sees him playing both a hard rhythm as well as melodic lead lines that sound like there is more than one player. A second player would have undoubtably added depth to the sound, as was the case on his last visit when he had Cory Younts accompanying him. A point emphasized here when he brought support act James Walbourne and his brother Rob on for a set closing Harlem River Blues, the duo played mandolin and washboard and added vocal support. Being solo however gives him the freedom to play whatever song he felt inclined to. His set included covers of "the great" Bruce Springsteen's Racing In The Streets as well as a Texas blues song from Lightening Hopkins. He noted that Townes Van Zandt had said that there was only "the blues and zippity do dah" and that no set would be complete with a blues. That music genre undoubtably informs Earle's own songs as well as the covers he played. He didn't shy away from his own blues, telling us that his weaknesses included "young ladies and fried chicken", but he noted that while fried chicken had given him less problems than women it also gave him less to write about. His father he said noted that he was "a hard dog to keep under the porch". He mentioned his recent and ongoing problems with chemical dependence and incarceration. His love of vodka ("I like to drink it in the morning") as well as cocaine and pills were cited. This tour follows a much reported spell in rehab and one can only hope that this talented artist can keeps that side of his nature under control and that it doesn't diminish him as a live performer and recording artist. Because he is capable of a lot of insight and tenderness as with songs like Learning To Cry as well as the more driven hell-raising songs in his set. Make no mistake Justin Townes Earle is very much his own man and this audience loved him for everything that he is.

Review by Steve Rapid. Photography by Ronnie Norton

Ryan Bingham & The Dead Horses - 20th November@ The Sugar Club, Dublin

The Sugar Club was not perhaps the best venue for Bingham  who seems to prefer the audience upfront and personal and Bingham got everyone on their feet at the show's end. Indeed, due to a 10:30 nightclub curfew, the audience  made no move to leave,  instead demanding the band return for an encore which they duly did. The encore really rocked with both Bingham and guitarist Corby Schaub playing electric bottleneck slide on a bluesy extended workout.

The show opened with Bingham playing solo with harmonica. The band then launched into Day Is Done with gusto and the gig took off. Front and centre was Bingham's aged gravelly voice, an amazing sound that belies his years. He acknowledged the audience with "How you guys doing? Alright?"before delivering a set that featured songs from all three of his Lost Highway albums which included "a songs for all the mothers out there" Tell My Mother I Miss Her So. Those expecting something akin to his Crazy Heart co-write may have been disorientated by the sheer energy and noise that this band makes. Key to this is drummer Matt Smith and bassist Elijah Ford, both of whom shone, but special mention must go to Smith who drove the band and the sound. Schaub played mandolin and a variety of guitars that blistered in raw intensity. As with many bands,  the live set is harder and more powerful that studio versions of the songs could ever be. Perhaps the most interesting section of the set was Bingham talkingof learning to play the guitar with Malaguena,  a mariachi inspired version that featured Schaub on mandolin. This largely instrumental number was full of atmosphere and ability and showed Bingham as a skilled guitarist too. Requests came flying from the audience with South Side of Heaven from his first album being a particular favourite. Hard Times from that album also featured. The song Strange Feeling In The Air was prefaced by Ryan's remark that there was a lot of discrimination in the world but that this songs says "fuck to all that". 

The set proper closed with a dynamic cover of Townes Van Zandt's Highway Kind which also featured opening act Australian singer/songwriter Liam Gerner on electric guitar. If that had been the closing it would have been a fitting tribute to a hero as well as a great song to end on. But then the audience, as mentioned stayed put and we got that encore. There's not doubt that all there were pleased with the show and that Bingham and the boys will be back.

Review: Steve Rapid    Photography: Ronnie Norton

John Hiatt - 17th November@The Academy, Dublin

I’ve seen John Hiatt live on a number of occasions in Dublin, the last time being an acoustic set with Lyle Lovett, and he has never put in a bad show. This though was one of the more vital and electric shows. It was the last gig of a four week European tour which made Hiatt comment that they were feeling somewhat “giddy” but couldn’t think of a better place to finish in than Dublin. His current band rejoices in the moniker of The Combo and includes bassist Patrick O Hearn, longtime drummer Kenneth Blevins and for this tour making his Irish Hiatt debut, following in the strings of many a noted guitarist, Doug Lancio. Lancio may be the best one yet. Playing a variety of guitars and mandolin he had no trouble in adding to the nuances and tones of Hiatt’s memorable songs. With a few selections from his latest album, including the title The Open Road, it was largely a case of delivering some classic Hiatt from through the years. Opening with a full force Perfectly Good Guitar he played a 20 song two hour set that included Just Like Your Dad Did, Master of Disaster - dedicated to his friend and former producer the late Jim Dickinson, Thing Called Love which was dedicated to Bonnie Riatt who Hiatt said helped him get recognition as a writer when she covered the song. Other songs coming from across his multi-album catalog were Alone In The Dark, Real Fine Love, Slow Turning, Drive South and the set closer an extended and robust ‘running down the road’ version of Tennessee Plates. The audience who were largely of Hiatt’s vintage and were obviously long-time fans who loved every minute of the show. There were some slower songs were Lancio switched to mandolin and Hiatt to a blond Gibson that included Cry Love. On other songs he also played a Telecaster adding to the overall sense of fusion in the air. He played my favourite song too - Icy Blue Heart  - a classic of failed relationships. Throughout Hiatt was in good form with between songs talk of his mild disappointment with the iPad. He reckoned it should have be a $30 full body suit that messed with all the senses. As is the norm in the live situation the band stretched and extended the songs on several occasions allowing Lancio to shine and show what a versitile player he is. No the more so than on the two song encore of Have A Little Faith and the lengthy guitar-driven pure energy of Riding With The King from the 1983 album of that name. Hiatt has been making great music for a long time. He still is. This night was just more proof of that.

Review: Steve Rapid  Photography: Ronnie Norton

pete Molinari- October 19th@The Workingmen's Club Dublin

This talented and versatile singer-songwriter was making his Dublin debut in the recently launched Workingmen's Club. Those who came were given a great show, and although the venue was far from capacity it was a very mixed audience, both in gender and in age, a testament to Pete Molinari's wide-ranging appeal. Molinari opened the show with three solo numbers, the last of which was the song that originally caught my attention as a listener. That was Lest We Forget a song that seeks remembrance for those who lost their lives in two world wars. He then brought on his three piece band of bass, drums and guitar with the former two also handling deft backing vocals. The whole thing kicked up an notch then, maybe a little more with a volume level that was a little loud for the room, as it was commented on after, and the foursome delivered some fearsome versions of songs from Molinari's recent releases, and some not officially released. A refreshing change from the usual new album promotional scenario. Unusually, in some ways, he chose to feature songs not only from his albums but some that featured as extra songs on recent singles. Molinari led from the front with his Fender Coronado 11 electric guitar while his live guitarist Tom, from Stockholm, played his black Gretsch throughout until the final encore where he picked up and played his pale blue Telecaster.

What I had not really expected was a sound that approximated the 60s sound of a high octane beat group. That point where George Harrison's playing was still showed the influence of Chet Atkins. This was tight, melodic dance- floor orientated uptempo rock. Not something you might have expected from listening to the studio albums. These versions of his songs included Sweet Louise, Street Car Named Desire, No Trace Of You and other songs across his recorded output which offered another perspective on Molinari's musical influences; all of which seem to stem from the 60s and earlier though now filtered through the last half century of individuals interpretations of those influences. In this instance the often cited Dylan comparison had little relevance. The end result, which is driven by Molinari's distinctive vocal style, seems fresh and vital and bodes well for future live performances in whatever setting he wants to place his strong, memorable songs.

Review: Steve Rapid   Photography: Ronnie Norton

Chatham County Line - 25th September 2010 @ Crawdaddy Dublin

Arriving onto The Crawdaddy stage, decorated with the flag of North Carolina, Chatham County Line leader Dave Wilson greets the enthusiastic audience with a cheery "Hello Dublin". They then launch into a selection of songs from their latest album Wildwood. These include Saturdays & Sundays, Alone In New York and the title track. The show also closed with two further tracks from the album Blue Jay Way and End Of The Line. Between those bookends they played what Wilson termed the "hits". Allowing the audience to call out selections which resulted in such well loved songs as Speed Of The Whippoorwill, Route 23, (which Wilson described as an anti-highway song while he extolled the positive state of the highways of Ireland which had enabled a speedy trip between Belfast and Kilkenny) Birmingham Jail and a song about falling in love with a woman on a train journey The Carolinian - "not his wife's favourite song" he quipped. He talked about the fact that in a lot of cases touring meant they went to a lot of places but rarely got to have a chance to look around, but they had had a short time to walk around Dublin before the show.

The other CCL members John Teer, Chandler Holt and Greg Readling have a natural ease and ability and add comments to each other and the audience throughout the set which again highlighted that even though the wear suits onstage in homage to the bluegrass tradition that inspired them and play, between them, guitar, fiddle (Wilson remarking that Teer was nervous of playing that instrument in a country famous for its fiddlers), banjo, mandolin and double bass they are coming at the music in a different way. This is mainly down to their original songs which are broader than the repertoire of many bluegrass bands. These songs could easily be delivered in a rock band format.

Their musical ability is never in question, though they never display the look-at-me-I'm- wonderful prwess of some bluegrassers I've seen. Rather it is a band where the some of the whole is greater than the individual elements. Which is what a band should be. But, perhaps, the most striking thing is the balance and harmony of the vocals. Wilson is lead singer with his distinctive and emotive voice. He's joined on most songs by John Teer with Holt and Readling all added their voices to powerful effect. Using the central microphone situation of traditional bluegrass the weave in and out of position to allow one instrument or another to take lead focus which makes for an interesting and visual focus. Holt takes over the guitar and sings lead vocal on his song Whipping Boy. The also play a couple of instrumental which highlight their playing skills and interaction.

The audience loved them, but remained respectful with a distinct lack of overt rowdiness, other than calling out for favourite songs which caused Wilson to comment that "you're so well behaved, you'll give Belfast a bad name". But given that both sides of the stage went home satisfied who we can only hope this excellent live band will return again in the non-too distant future.

Elvis Costello & The Sugarcanes - 1st July @ Vicar Street

Elvis Costello performs at Dublin's Vicar Street with his band the Sugarcanes.Elvis Costello and his all star band The Sugarcanes played their first ever Irish gig on July 1st. It was also Costello's first Dublin gig since he stopped living here in Ireland some years ago. It was one of those gigs where it was hard to decide who enjoyed themselves more Elvis and the band or the audience. The Sugarcanes include many of the players who were on Costello's most recent album Secret, Profane & Sugercane. They are all amazing players and have their own projects but on the night Stuart Duncan on fiddle, Jerry Douglas on dobro and vocals, Mike Compton on mandolin and vocals, Jim Lauderdale on guitar and vocals, Dennis Crouch on double bass and Jeff Taylor on accordion and tin whistle were inspiring. Elvis played acoustic and four string electric guitar and song better than I've heard him in a long time. All of which gave them the scope to play whatever they wanted to, and much of what they played was spontaneous and a departure from the set list and all the more powerful for it.

The set included many songs from that aforementioned most recent album. Complicated Shadows, Hidden Shame, The Crooked Line and what was supposed to be the final song Sulphar To Sugarcane, which Elvis said was his I've Been Everywhere travel song, all sounded more at home on the stage than on the album. The set proper was followed by an extended encore which was, in turn, followed by a few more songs. Much to the delight of the enthralled gathering of friends and fans. Songs from his vast back catalogue included Alison, Red Shoes, Everyday I Write The Book, America Without Tears and Mystery Dance - songs which span his entire output but which easily adapted to this acoustic setting and gained a new perspective in their retelling.

Opening with Mystery Train outside songs chosen also included two George Jones associated songs The Race Is On and A Good Year For The Roses, which had excellent harmony vocalist Jim Lauderdale right up there with Elvis, both singing their hearts out. The Rolling Stone's Happy, The Grateful Dead's Friend Of The Devil, Rockpile's Girl's Talk, Nick Lowe's What's So Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding were all included and delivered to the delight of the audience who sang along on many occasions.

There were also some new songs, including one recently co-written by Jim Lauderdale and Elvis. Another, new to me, song was about a vauderville entertainer who was playing cowboy songs about which Elvis joked that "there's never a good time to go into cowboy music". What ever the song and what ever the mood the song required here was a band who could deliver on that and make it look easy... and fun. Between songs Elvis joked with the audience, talked about the World Cup and how when they played support to Paul McCartney in Hyde Park England still had a chance to win. That was not to be, but this team played a blinder.

It was one of those magical gigs where the venue was right, the sound was right, the band was on top form and the entertainer did what he set out to do - he entertained and then some. It was a welcome return to Dublin...  from both sides of the stage.

Steve Rapid

The Tallest Of The Tall? - Whelan's 10 June

The Tallest Man On Earth 'The Wild Hunt'

I heard about this show via a MySpace (yes, remember MySpace?) link forwarded around.

Arriving to a sold out show is always a good feeling. On arrival at Whelan's Dublin I could taste a healthy dose of anticipation in the air.

Oddly enough, I noticed a large number of tall men in the audience. Perhaps they had seen the billing out front & thought to themselves 'I'll show him'. We were there, after all, to see The Tallest Man On Earth.

Cue the arrival of a very normal sized man stage left to a raucous cheer. Opening his set with the album opener 'The Wild Hunt' was a great place to start.

With a look of  Emile Hirsch from Into The Wild Kristian Matsson (Tallest Man's real name) was not going to let guitar pedal technical difficulties interrupt his opener, despite battery failure 3 times during the song. Matsson used the opportunity to show us his ability to stay in the moment - taking up exactly where he left off a minute earlier. He proved a humorous soul too, quipping "F*ck you Duracell!".

Firstly, let me say what a beautiful & intense performer Matsson is. A brilliant guitarist complete with vocal control is not something one comes across every day. And while the comparisons to early Gaslight period Dylan abound, Matsson is a far better guitar player than Dylan ever was & arguably a far more engaging stage presence (A big call, I know).

Secondly, I'd like to mention the fact that sometimes it takes more than technical ability & stage presence to really move an audience. Don't get me wrong. This crowd was being manipulated by Matsson as if we had all been invited to his house for a party that only he could throw. However, a friend & I commented that mid-way through the set, we felt we had heard the same song repeated over & over again - with different lyrics.

My major criticism of The Tallest Man On Earth would be this: he only ever got to 3rd gear. And 3rd gear is a good & sound gear. But what about 4th & 5th? At a show like this we want to be taken not just down the side streets, but we want to gush onto the highway in 5th gear & really hear the performer's musical engine take to the road.

Having said that, without a doubt, the anthemic 'King Of Spain' was a crowd favourite prompting a loud sing-along & the haunting 'Burden Of Tomorrow' reminded me of putting on a Dylan vinyl for the first time. Only this time, it was live & perfect in it's execution & vocal reach. 

The highlight of the evening was unquestionably the sublime rendition of Dylan's 1964 tune 'I'll Keep It With Mine' performed by Matsson & a mystery female guest invited up on stage. Positioning themselves very intimately on stage around one microphone with one guitar the duo cast a spell on the crowd.

Asking the sound man who the girl was he replied with a witty "The TM (Tour Manager), Girlfriend & Rodeo (I think he meant Roadie) all rolled into one!". If anyone knows who this mystery woman was, we'd be interested to know!

All in all, a fine show. I'd like to see Matsson again perform with a small ensemble. A small kit with brushes, an upright bass & a banjo (much missed from the album renditions) would be a welcome addition - just to get us out onto the highway of folk where we belong by the end of a set.

Check out The Tallest Man On Earth on MySpace here

Buy his album 'The Wild Hunt' here

JC