You sense a full circle turning with Texas country singer Sunny Sweeney re-focussing her touring horizon on the UK. It was at the back end of this century's first decade when small venues around the country last greeted an artist winning new admirers with a debut album smart at giving a traditional sound a modern uplift. Although some may view HEARTBREAKER'S HALL OF FAME as Sweeney's finest body of work to date, its independent status proved a springboard to wider acclaim outside her own state. Now with a further four studio albums in the bank and established as one of Texas' finest modern purveyors of country music, attention has turned to giving an overseas fanbase what they crave - live shows. On the back of a successful comeback slot at 2022's Long Road Festival, an association with an active booking agent has secured a decent number of UK gigs including a Birmingham debut at the Kitchen Garden.
Demand was high for this small venue show. Yet the move was astute to host a duo format and create an intimacy with loyal fans that is the heartbeat of independent musicians' appeal. From a start just after eight to close on eleven when the final autographs and farewells took place, it was apparent that a buzzing Sweeney was lapping up this authentic adulation thousands of miles from her Austin home. Within this timeframe, she opened up her heart with an accomplished songbook to deliver a full bodied duo show with long term guitarist Harley Husbands. Maybe an inexperience of hushed venues this side of the pond led to the vocal drawl raising the decibels a little more than usual at the Kitchen Garden, but it isn't everyday that the spirit of a honky tonk surfaces in this corner of Kings Heath.
In between the previous UK tour and last year's long awaited return, life and career has been a turbulent episode for Sunny Sweeney. A brief flirt with Nashville's major labels and a couple of divorces are staple in the rollercoaster existence of your archetype country singer. Influences for many of her songs are ripe and close to home. A candid nature meant the chatty interludes between a battery of songs were high on the revelation scale. Some were your usual touring fare with a few dealt to stay within the four walls. They added to a vibrant evening that showed a wider side to Sunny Sweeney - the entertainer.
Two extended sets sat either side a lengthy interval that accrued much meet and greet and merch sales. The sets featured songs spanning a whole career including one song introduced as a new one. This was titled 'My Own Lane' and like so much on offer was autobiographical. All five studio albums were featured in the setlist alongside a couple of tracks from a 2020 live record. One of those tracks, 'Poet's Prayer' made a post-gig highlight summary.
From a personal standpoint, the whole of the debut album would be a dream set list. In compensation, 'Please Be San Antone' and 'Lavender Blue' were the two offered. The first came early in the show and paid tribute to writer Jim Lauderdale, while the other was a very special request for a future show dedicated to a late fan but shared this evening as well.
Famed associates were a constant theme of the evening. You only have to gaze at the credits of a Sunny Sweeney record to see how much has been written with Lori McKenna. Throw in working with Natalie Hemby, fellow Texan Brennan Leigh and Gary Nicholson plus stories surrounding Loretta Lynn and Rosanne Cash creates an almost who's who. The Cash reference came in the closing stages as we had the pleasure of a Johnny Cash cover with a difference, 'Tennessee Flat Top Box'.
Back to the Sunny Sweeney originals and the 2017 album TROPHY. 'Pils', 'Grow Old With Me' and 'Bottle By My Bed' shone a light on this record with the latter being both a request and certainly the most poignant song on the night. You detected a mood change during its singing with a sensitive issue being at the heart of the theme.
It was of little surprise to see 2022's MARRIED ALONE being the biggest contributor to the evening. A record that brings the recording career of Sunny Sweeney up to date. 'Easy as Hello' and 'Still Me' resonated most from the pickings with the last one a late addition after learning that Bob Harris had played it on his show.
A recurring aside throughout the show was the mantra 'write what you know'. Many years in the tough business of professional music has taught Sunny Sweeney to focus inwards, hone in on your own talents and follow that sage advice in the songwriting you pursue. A performer at ease with who they are floods from a stage persona that melds sincerity, gratitude and a brash exterior. The time is obviously right to widen horizons on the touring front and there were few complaints from a sold out Kitchen Garden.
Odds are shortening that the next Sunny Sweeney tour will see a full band feature. This will add a different dynamic to her act and in some places may need a venue revision. For now the small steps of the duo format are making great strides in meeting the desire of a fanbase. This gig was all about connection and making the music of Sunny Sweeney a real experience. Whether you were a fan at the beginning or one joining mid journey, there was plenty on offer to enjoy.
Footnote: There are many Sunny Sweeney videos online but I couldn't resist sharing this old scratchy live one of my favourite song. Maybe in the setlist next time!
