Experience tells you that there are no half measures when Rhiannon Giddens gets in full flow. The debate may be out there, but a starting gambit that she is the most prominent contemporary advocate of American roots music from a colour perspective has solid foundation. The stage package overflows with stories, passion and a spirited audience connection interspersed with technical brilliance and a fluid musical presentation style. The uplift from a team up with Italian musician Francesco Turrisi has been notable. He mentioned on stage that today was the 5th anniversary of their first show together. Rhiannon Giddens pre-2018 was immense. Now their duo performance ranges between faultless and absolute inspirational.
A quick glance around the Birmingham Town Hall this evening suggested a healthy near two-thirds capacity which is respectable for a genre that requires the audience to meet the performer half way. It wasn't quite at that level for the opening 30 minute set from Philippa Zawe that began promptly at 7:30. This Birmingham-based artist has been increasingly well known on the local folk and roots circuit, and the experience of a brief flirtation with a big stage will aid the development. She chose a trio format comprising of cello and flute to supplement her acoustic guitar and vocals. Many credentials are in place for a career to prosper including a beautiful voice and nous to create a musical identity. There were clear lines showing how artists like Rhiannon Giddens can influence her and the word to catch up with her music was enhanced as we headed into the intermission.
The first time I saw Rhiannon Giddens live she responded to the Scottish setting by singing a song in Gaelic. That was at the Southern Fried Festival in Perth in 2015. This evening the extra language offering doubled to two as she wrapped her vocal prowess around an Italian song brought to the table no doubt from her now partner Francesco with whom she still resides in Ireland. The other language offering was from the influential Buena Vista Social Club, so some Spanish filled the Birmingham air on an evening where many ears elsewhere were focussed on the continent.
Instrumentally, Rhiannon Giddens majors on the banjo and fiddle. Two instruments core to her North Carolina roots representing a heritage spiced by a double pronged immigration. A mission to tell the story of her ancestors' enslaved journey from Africa to the Americas is right at the heart of Rhiannon Giddens' creative artistry. To this extent, the moving song 'At the Purchaser's Option' is rapidly becoming her signature piece. It stood loud and proud in the realm of raising awareness at the core of this set that extended past the expected hour and a half mark.
When you're playing a venue with a grand piano handily in the corner why not use it. This was the domain of Francesco Turrisi for many songs alongside a dabble with the banjo and numerous percussion items that provided a rich beat. The duo gel is obvious, and as clear and bright as the majestic vocal offering we get from an artist who herself confessed to being increasingly spurred on by the sounds of the 20s and 30s.
The extensive information share keeps the brain cells lubricated. You leave a Rhiannon Giddens show well-versed and intellectually refreshed. Interaction is not overlooked and the response to the forever spine tingling 'I Shall Not Be Moved' was hearty and forthcoming. We were reminded several times of music's mutual necessity and how time lost from the last couple of years is being steadily recouped.
Projects remain a core aspect of Rhiannon Giddens drive to fulfil a musical destiny. Tonight forays into ballet and Shakespeare were celebrated alongside announcing a new record that will take her music into fresh territory. Whatever emerges is bound to be compelling and rinsed with virtuoso sparkle.
A transatlantic status helps fuel the direction of Rhiannon Giddens and keeps her music prominent in many arenas. This musical gallery of marvel, talent and an impulsive presence makes attending any of her shows a resounding experience. Tonight in Birmingham confirmed this.