Top 10 Gigs of 2012
1 - Terri Clark Glee Club Birmingham
To see an ‘A’ list country singer in an intimate setting was
a fantastic experience. The announcement to tour was a surprise but Terri lit
up the Glee Club with her songs, stories and personality. An evening to be
treasured and worthy of top spot for this year.
2 - Eve Selis Robin 2
Bilston
Eve has toured many times but the combination of a full
band, finest album to date and a growing turnout made this a memorable evening.
The sound was excellent with Eve’s vibrancy and vocals filling the venue.
Excellent support too in Berkely Hart.
3 – My Darling Clementine Hare and Hounds Birmingham
The album, HOW DO YOU PLEAD grew on me in the second half of
the year and the live performance of it by Michael Weston King and Lou
Dalgleish was definitely one of 2012’s highlights. The show was well put
together with an excellent band and of course the most wonderful retro duet
performance.
4 – Good Lovelies St. Mary’s Church Ross and Wye
The church acoustics and the harmonies of this fantastic
Canadian trio were well and truly suited during this show on their UK tour.
Always eager to get off mic they effortlessly gave a superb performance
especially in their interpretation of ‘Hallelujah’.
5 – The Civil Wars HMV Institute Birmingham
Harmonies were definitely the theme of the year and the
performance by John Paul White and Joy Williams with just a single acoustic guitar
was mesmerising. They demonstrated all the hype surrounding the album was real.
May not be repeated though. 
6 – The Secret Sisters Glee Club Birmingham
There is something special about siblings and country music.
The Rogers sisters had that impressive chemistry of timing and harmonies to
deliver a brand of music that can take traditional music forward. The capacity
audience eagerly await their return in 2013 with new material.
7 – Rachel Harrington and the Knockouts Courtyard Arts
Centre Hereford
Long time UK visitor Rachel came over in 2012 with a new
band, new album and a new sound. This interpretation of all-female honky tonk
music was a breath of fresh air on the Americana scene. Rejuvenated some older
material as well. 
8 – Gretchen Peters Robin 2 Bilston
9 – Los Pacaminos Robin 2 Bilston
There is a tendency to view this part time collaboration
as light hearted but when they put their minds to it they can almost create the
perfect live music experience. The Robin 2 show this year was by far their best
to date.
10 – Jason and the Scorchers The Musician Leicester
Influential country rocker Jason Ringenberg brought his 30th
anniversary tour to the UK this year and demonstrated to a lively audience what
an outstanding inspiration he has been. It was loud and raucous but extremely
roots reflective.