He may be an established member of the UK international
touring circuit but Rod Picott never loses the blessing of someone who came to
full time musicianship later in life than the usual career trajectory of a recording
artist. With a personal milestone anniversary on the horizon, Rod still retains
the passion of taking his music, songs and stories out on the road and the
knack of connecting effectively with his audience. In the last dozen or so
years the records have flowed consistently from the guitar and pen of Rod, successfully
maintaining their quality and ensuring that his set lists can accurately
represent the full span of his recording career. This evening’s show in
Lichfield followed this winning formula leaving a probably already committed audience
content with their 2014 live fix of Rod Picott.
Staffordshire based promoters Hot Burrito were on fairly
safe ground having booked Rod on three previous occasions, although they
experimented this time by being forced to leave their idyllic usual village hall location for
a more conventional semi urban venue. The back room of the George IV pub in
Lichfield was packed to its limited capacity reflecting a turnout many
promoters would be grateful for and creating an intimate environment that met
the full approval of Rod. As is normally the case where no support is
available, the main act spread their sets either side of a lengthy break and those
present had far more exposure to Rod Picott than when he last visited the area.
Twelve months ago he was slightly overshadowed by the Wild Ponies who excited
many with their debut UK gigs and this year’s touring schedule gave the
promotion the opportunity to book separate dates for them.
So armed with a bunch of albums including his latest 2013
release HANG YOUR HOPES ON A CROOKED NAIL and a clear run, Rod utilised every
moment of his time in the spotlight to remind everyone how entertaining an
evening mixed with fine music, song and tales can be. Although a few of the
stories were familiar from last year, the expansion of time on this date
allowed several additional ones in particular the family heritage link to ‘Tiger Tom Dixon’s Blues’ and his own
personal residential experience in ‘Mobile
Home’. Of course a Rod Picott show always has the possibility of
referencing two other popular artists associated with him over the years. The
mutual and harmonious break up with his ex-partner Amanda Shires is documented
in ‘Might Be Broken Now’ and his
solitary happy song ‘Angels and Acrobats’
has the distinction of being recorded by both artists on individual solo records.
The other artist close to Rod is his good buddy Slaid
Cleaves and it was good to hear their co-write ‘Broke Down’ especially has Slaid has seemingly taken a break from
touring this country. This song had all the credentials of being the evening’s
stand out number, although he launched the show with a couple of his classic
industrial inspired compositions, ‘Welding
Burns’ and ‘Rust Belt Fields’. While
travels around the country have been necessary to promote his career including
a stint in Nashville, where an association with Alison Krauss created
opportunities, it is the industrial north east and his many years of hard
labour that has influenced much of his writing. Recollections of his upbringing
in South Berwick, Maine were extensive leading into songs such as ‘Where No One Knows My Name’.
The preview of a new song hinted that the frequency of Rod
Picott albums may be maintained in the future and the closing moments of the
evening saw a version of ‘Nobody Knows’
in tribute to a faithful UK friend unable to attend shows on this tour due to
personal difficulties. It is this attention to touring detail that has served
Rod well in the past and the likelihood of him continuing to visit us long into
the future. An artist who maximises their talent and develops an affinity with their
followers gives themselves a fair chance of succeeding and Rod Picott continues
to rejoice in the path he has chosen.
www.rodpicott.com
