It is not unusual for an American old time-traditional bluegrass influenced country artist to gain traction overseas and attract a decent following, often transcending genre devotees. Over the last 20 years, Old Crow Medicine show come to mind and just before lockdown Tyler Childers came to the fore. The latest hit is Billy Strings who attracts a huge audience for a frenetic old time roots style sound. It is early days to predict a trajectory for Colby T. Helms and so much is down to luck, influential backers plus an innate ability to reach out and connect. It would be a coup to think that humble beginnings among twenty-or so astute observers in a hidden city centre Birmingham studio was the start of something big. Yet there was so much assuredness, a composed style and flat out exported authenticity that just maybe, the trajectory will follow a similar path to the aforementioned peers.
The Muthers Studio is not one of Birmingham’s most well-known venues. Few assembling for this gig knew little of the place located away from nearby nightlife. Word had got round that something special was set to happen and hasty online sampling started to form a picture. There was a helping hand that increasingly well known Dom Glynn in independent Americana circles was opening to at least flag up a buried show. 50 minutes of the ever impressive Glynn and 65 minutes of the inimitable Helms turned heads to the extent that something special had indeed occurred.
Colby T. Helms hails from Franklin County, Virginia. He draws on a rural experience to carry forward a centuries old sound refreshed by contemporary songs, honest and reflective to the core. Flat picking was his style. On record, you get the full band sound. On tour, it’s just one man and guitar. Simple in delivery but executed to magnify its impact. For someone relatively young, Helms had the composure of a veteran and the stature of someone born to carry the mantle of a heritage. It was so good. Clear, informative, emotive and packaged into what lures fans across musical divides to a framed traditional country sound.
To date, there is a single eight track release out there to enjoy. 33 minutes of listening bliss that doesn’t just give you a slice of rural Virginia but literally takes you to the foothills of the Appalachians. Up to date news is Helms has been in the studio with David Ferguson (Sturgill Simpson/Tyler Childers) and a second release is set to be unleashed. Look out for songs like ‘Welcome to the Freak Show,' ‘Clouds’ and ‘Possum’. On the setlist in Birmingham and on the forthcoming release.
While on the topic of new records, and a slight diversion, London-based/exiled Brummie Dom Glynn is almost ready to go with a debut release. He has been ripping up festivals and the local London scene for a while with his superb self-penned traditional country songs. Once again the delivery is spot on and an impish humour embedded. His band set up is top notch but economics imposed the solo format this evening. Still the source of an entertaining extended set with exemplary finger picking drawing praise from his new acquired American acquaintance. Look out for a Dom Glynn record soonish.
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| Dom Glynn |
The rest of Colby T. Helms’ set was split between tracks off the existing record titled TALES OF MISFORTUNE and a few choice covers. Two favourites from it working well just as good live as on record were ‘Mountain Brandy’ and ‘Higher Ground’. Two exceeding their impact live were ‘First Snow’ and ‘Daddy’s Pocket Knife’. Helms opened up a lot of his world with numerous stories and anecdotes. The difference between a review and being there is cast in the die of the nuggets in the chat.
Leading the covers, admittedly unknown, were a rousing reference to Birmingham in ‘Ride a Ramblin’ Man’ — a traditional song- and the memorable ‘Highway 52’. Whether interpreting the past or proudly representing the future, Colby T. Helms was on the mark as a performer.
I have known to be totally off the mark when predicting big things for an artist viewed in small settings. If our guest tonight doesn’t get anywhere near the stature of the names mentioned at the start of this review, the consolation of hooking up with the music of an exceptional artist will sit just fine with those present. On the other hand, check out the music of Colby T. Helms. He’s special.
