Sometimes you instantly know a right choice has been made. Within the measured tone of Hannah Scott's opening song, a sense of being in a special place took root. Her cultured vocals succulently purveyed a piece of melodic bliss, all scented with a sound pitch perfect. This was a singer-songwriter at ease in new surroundings, and indeed a new town. The Birmingham debut for Hannah Scott has been a long time coming. The moment to impress wasn't wasted with the ultimate trump card of relatable themes waiting to be played.
There is a wealth of experience behind this south-east based artist, equally at home in both folk and Americana-lite circles. The impetus for this inaugural Kitchen Garden visit - a venue heaven sent for her serenely listenable songs - was the release of ABSENCE OF DOUBT, her latest full length album. Early listens revealed a fuller more produced sound than what was heard tonight. Whatever the motivation and mode, a stripped back approach gave a raft of songs the space to simmer and flourish. Eighteen delectable tunes and an equal number of affable introductions seamlessly flowed either side of a short ten-minute break. No fireworks required in this quaint and blissful environment.
Hannah Scott is one of those artists who you have been aware of for years without diverted engagement. Racking the brain and checking the records unveiled a few words describing her performance opening for David Ramirez in Tingewick in 2016. A reference to the family inspiration behind her songs couldn't have been more pertinent eight years later. Hopefully there isn't the same lengthy interlude between shows attended.
There weren't many transfixed souls in the room who couldn't identify with at least a portion of the songs. Mother, father, siblings, step kids, love, grief, gratitude and isolation were all brought to musical light in the desirable medium of the well-constructed song. Leaving the room knowing a lot more about Hannah Scott the person was a given. Elegantly displayed alongside a deliberately succinct guitar and piano playing style enhancing every syllable of the poignant lyrics. The whole singer-songwriter package was on display.
As impressive as the new songs were including: show opener 'Bigger Than My Body', a personal favourite in 'San Francisco' and the tear-inducing 'Carry Me Out', the knockout moment of the gig was an absolutely stunning rendition of 'Skimming Stones' in the second set. A three minutes encapsulating the magic of live intimate music.
From the periphery of a busy music horizon, the treasure of Hannah Scott wonderfully exhibiting her music artistry grasped the mantel of centre stage. No hyperbole, just a classy performer singing emotive songs in a calm and sincere manner. A concoction of traits that wonderfully blended in a room immaculately built for listening. If a truly satisfied and engrossed audience is an artist's aim, mission accomplished for one night.