A record number of gigs were attended in 2013, although even
this fell short of the totals accumulated by some hard core music enthusiasts
that I met during the year. As part of the annual reflection process, here are
the top ten that for some reason or another hit the mark.
1. My Darling Clementine – Hare and Hounds, Kings Heath,
Birmingham Wednesday 2nd October
Having successfully followed up their debut album, Lou and
Michael took the My Darling Clementine project to even greater heights with a
sublime live demonstration of how to keep traditional country music relevant in
the 21st Century. This slick and awe-inspiring show perfectly succeeded
in capturing the moment leaving a sweet memory of how an excellent recording
can be brought to life in dance halls around the country.
2. Caroline Herring – The Hive, Shrewsbury Friday 1st
March
Amongst a wealth of great singer-songwriter exponents caught
live during the year, it was the heartfelt sincerity, engaging anecdotes and
beautifully crafted songs of Caroline Herring that appealed most when leaving an
endearing indelible mark. The intimate setting of a packed Hive created the
ideal environment for the southern folklore tales of Mississippi-born and bred Caroline
to leave their homeland and enrich the minds of those present on this treasured
evening.
3. Gretchen Peters – Artrix Arts Centre, Bromsgrove Monday 1st
July
In a post Glastonbury haze, Gretchen brought the UK curtain
down on Hello Cruel World with quite easily the best performance witnessed from
her many Anglo shows. The settled combo support of Barry and Christine, not forgetting
the memorable duet with Ben, has allowed Gretchen’s talents to lavishly
flourish and the ease of this performance felt so comfortable in the
surroundings of this neat and tidy Midlands venue.
4. Billy Bragg – Birmingham Symphony Hall Sunday 24th
November
‘Americana is country music for those people who like The
Smiths’ quipped Bragg who despite his onstage protestations made a significant
step westwards with his album and stage show this year. The perfection of this
evening was embodied in how he combined the explicit nature of this direction
without losing any of the vigour and passion that defines his music, political and
passionate ideals.
5. Carrie Rodriguez – Henry Tudor House, Shrewsbury Sunday 25th
August
The talent oozing from Carrie during this performance had
the sold out crowd in this vintage venue totally absorbed into the sounds of
west of the Mississippi. With Luke playing a stellar supporting role and an impromptu
encore jam with Mark Erelli and Barnstar, the magical moments of her fabulous
fiddle playing, gracious vocals and inventive songs found a perfect home for
the evening.
6. The Band Perry – Institute, Birmingham Friday 29th
November
With unabated choreographed brashness, the valued
torchbearers of New Country showed the way of inter-generational connection and
the uncanny knack of capturing the enthusiasm of a hungry fan base which may
need just a little steering. The high ranking of this evening has set a
benchmark of what is expected from The Band Perry and set out the standards
required for their important future role.
7. April Verch Band – Cookley Village Hall, Worcestershire
Sunday 13th October
When taking roots music back to its core, is there a need
for anything plugged in? April took her brand of music straight into the heart
of a community in a far off land requiring only her fiddle, classical vocals,
infectious songs, exhilarating step dancing and two talented sidekicks. This
evening was a trip to a bygone age and as pure as you could wish. Surely the
observant Robert Plant sitting in the back row appreciated the authenticity
which totally defined this show.
8. Stacie Collins – The Musician, Leicester Saturday 25th
May
In what is now becoming an annual East Midlands show, Stacie
exceeded the high standards of her previous appearances with an electrifying
display of raucous, roadhouse, country rock and blues. It’s loud, explicit and
enthralling but Stacie never loses that Music City trait of adding a little
tradition and sophistication as well as pushing boundaries without abandoning
respect.
9. Dale Watson – The Bullingdon, Oxford Friday 1st
February
The memory of a double bass totally disintegrating with
strings pinging everywhere highlights the enthusiasm and passion which Dale and
his Lone Stars gave to this show. Never short on opinion on the direction the
genre is developing, Dale knows his position, is not going to budge and his
adoring fans love him for that. This first opportunity to catch him live was a
delight to behold.
10. Lucinda Williams – Birmingham Town Hall Wednesday 26th
June
In a year of redemption, a late decision to give Lucinda a
second chance after a lukewarm show a couple of years ago was possibly the most
rewarding of the year. From start to finish she alleviated previous prejudices
and re-established her position as one of the most highly rated artists in the
Americana genre with a fabulous live performance now in the memory bank. 