Birmingham Town Hall hung up the sold out sign as 900 fans headed to this lavish location for a prompt 7:30 start. All three artists are no strangers to the Town Hall and its slightly larger neighbour: the Symphony Hall. Whether through solo shows or part of events such as Transatlantic Sessions and Spell Songs, accrued fanbases are fairly strong with the anticipation of the current format being one to savour. Two standing ovations (pre and post-encore) gave the verdict.
Polwart and Fowlis spaciously flanked Chapin Carpenter at the front of the stage with a four-piece backing band adding the major musical touch. A common trait from songwriter circles of rotating lead vocal songs rolled out with each singer delivering their album contribution alongside a few individual offerings bulking out the show to around an hour fifty. Of course, harmony vocals were in abundance with Mary Chapin Carpenter in particular relishing the opportunity.
Each artist brought their own distinctive style to the show. As expected, the majority of Julie Fowlis' songs were sung in her trademark Scots Gaelic. Two of these are included on the recently released trio album. The effect of non-English language singing can sometimes split opinion. You cannot dispute the quality here with a celestial aura surrounding a gorgeous sound. If a skeptic, close your eyes and let your mind wander. The lyrics will come alive to however you want them.
Karine Polwart's vocal style comes across as more grounded than her Scottish compatriot and leaves a lot less to the imagination. Nature, in particular the beauty of birds, is a common theme to her songs and featured strongly in the chosen pieces.
Maybe Mary Chapin Carpenter took the central position due to initiating the project or perhaps an overall greater stature and longer lasting appeal. Straight from her first song, instantly recognisable vocals circulated around the venue's near-faultless sound system, one of the most cultured and measured voices you will hear on the Eastern USA folk and Americana circuit. From country chart topper to mature influencer, you sense the presence of stardom.
It was tough to argue against the final song being the evening's finest moment. 'Looking for the Thread' is the title track from what will be likely the first and last album from Mary Chapin Carpenter, Julie Fowlis and Karine Polwart. The thread of the trio's music was definitely found! If this was the finale, it was a fitting send off. Three wonderful artists collaborating to the highest possible standards. Few in Birmingham Town Hall would disagree.
