If you wanted to put a fiver on which American touring artist would be among the first to return to our shores, odds would be considerable short on Hannah Aldridge. True to form it has taken less than a couple of months from the touring green light for dates to materialise and even less surprising that St.George's Hall in Bewdley emerged as one of the venues hosting her. Hiccups are always around the corner though and this evening's show had faced significant challenges starting from two of her original touring partners being stuck back in the States and evolving issues presenting last minute schedule changes to the UK leg of the tour. Yet as resolute as ever, Hannah strolled onto stage at the stroke of 9 and played the ever consummate professional. Ably assisted by Swedish touring partner Gustav Sjodin, it was soon business as usual. In other words an emotive spilling of the guts in front of a room of fleeting strangers. Just like she has done hundreds of times around the world over the last ten years.
Around midway through this near two hour show, the gig sweet spot was hit. After musing about how much playing live meant to her, the lights dimmed and 'Gold Rush' filled the hall in a fit of reassuring renewal. That would have been a fitting finale, but the moment was eclipsed in the first encore slot when reappearing alone, obliging to a request and breaking the hearts of everyone present with 'Parchman' in a hall now bestowed in near darkness.
There were two facets to this show. One reflecting on what Hannah Aldridge had accomplished prior to the dark days of March 2020. This bookended the set with 'Razor Wire' getting things underway and 'Howlin' Bones' sending a very healthy turnout home happy. In between many old favourites were shared alongside stories never quite ageing as much as they should. Cue, 'Burning Down Birmingham'. 'Lace' and several others led by the ever impressive 'Aftermath'.
The other facet was activity since last hitting our shores in late 2019. This included working with Jason Charles Miller from popular early 2000s US metal act Godhead. He was due to tour with Hannah but succumbed to the irritant refusal of the pandemic to subside. The pair have put out a double sided single where they covered a Godhead song in 'Sinking' and added a new one called 'Some Ghosts (Don't Make a Sound)' Even delivered in acoustic mode you could detect the deviation in sound. We have regularly heard Hannah proudly proclaim her love for rock music and this is a break way from what has generally defined her as a touring artist. Namely, southern Americana with a natural lilt towards country.
While the work with Jason Charles Miller and Lachlan Bryan seems to have taken up most of the space, a new solo Hannah Aldridge song emerged, and on first listen 'Unbeliever' sounded fantastic. Very personal, a slow number and hugely impressive.
Before we finish with the name dropping, Andrew Combs was reminded as the co-architect of 'Living on Lonely' and Ashley McBryde was mentioned a couple of times as an inspirational friend for firing up the songwriting juices. While this was going on Jetbone guitarist and long time Hannah Aldridge collaborator Gustav Sjodin accompanied her on acoustic guitar, backing vocals and duetting on the Ben Glover co-write, believed to be titled 'Babylon'. A final bit of namedropping was a Radiohead cover. No other link except Hannah extolling her love for the band.
Prior to Hannah and Gustav taking the stage, we were treated to an entertaining opening set by duo operation Son of John. This is primarily Jacob Johnson's project and he was joined this evening by John Parker, one of the country's premium double bass players. Together they delivered a sound dark in places but created a mood for Hannah Aldridge to fire up her stuff in the main part of the show.
The ultimate conclusion from this return to Bewdley was how much Hannah Aldridge has missed touring and likewise how much those who rate her highly have missed seeing her play live. When someone tours so regularly a touch of complacency can creep in. The last two years have binned this feeling. She was firing on all cylinders and repaying the faith given to her by the UK faithful since first playing here in 2014.