Gig Review: Andrew Combs + Dan Whitehouse - Kitchen Garden, Kings Heath, Birmingham. Wednesday 30th April 2025

Connection can create opportunities with positive outcomes. The chance meeting during a radio interview led to one of the most rewarding musical evenings of the year so far. The night belonged to Andrew Combs, yet like on so many occasions in recent years Dan Whitehouse co-opted the role of enabler. This short tour for the Nashville-based Combs pivoting around a slot at Kilkenny Roots Festival was already in place with an opening night in Birmingham prior to the new arrangement. Now the pair are working together, both on the road and on stage during parts of the short run, and what better place to tap into local knowledge than Whitehouse's own West Midlands. 

A packed Kitchen Garden with many faces from the Dan Whitehouse posse created an ideal environment for the music of Andrew Combs to thrive. Attentive and respectful throughout, wise heads may have been taking a chance on a new artist but when on top form there was zero chance of our American visitor not impressing with an outstanding array of songs. While Combs is a long established US touring artist with a strong foothold in Americana communities, Birmingham has proved a tougher nut to crack. His solo debut at the Hare and Hounds in 2014 didn't prove a launching pad, although there was an improved response to a Glee Club performance three years later. There, the interaction stalled. Some recounted an earlier visit with Caitlin Rose. I saw her play the Glee Club in 2010 and 2011 with any memory of him playing erased. Bringing things up to date, the 2025 show will linger long.

The current phase of Andrew Combs' career sees him settled, philosophical and in a good place. Music appears to be on his terms highlighted by the very personal latest album DREAM PICTURES. He is a proud representative of a Nashville community that swims against the tide, although he can make better country music than most when applied. Who can forget that surreal day in 2016 when he shared the O2 Arena stage with Eric Church, Chris Stapleton and Kacey Musgraves. Not a bad day for anyone with a foot in country and Americana camps. Nine years later, it is solo with a self-described 'band in a box' presenting the music in a different light.

Dan Whitehouse played a thirty minute opening set. A throwback role to somebody who earned his crust this way on the Midlands music circuit - shows with Simone Felice and Terri Clark spring to mind. Now the focus is on flagship gigs like an upcoming one at the Birmingham Conservatoire in June. With a limited window to appeal to Andrew Combs' fans, a representation of the recent past was chosen with songs from the GLASS AGE and VOICES FROM THE CONES albums featuring on both keyboard and guitar. You were adding considerably to your investment with the quality on show as Whitehouse absolutely nails the art of presentation. You could also see why the pair developed a mutual respect when crossing paths on the Brum Radio show. They both carefully craft songs with skill and guile. 

This conducive spotlight on Andrew Combs brought the best out of his songs. We were informed that the format may be unique as we were effectively getting the demo versions of songs. Basically, raw on guitar with drum beats and bass parts electronically preparing for studio adaption. As a spectacle it worked, ably assisted by a relaxed Combs chatting in his own reserved way. The insight was as candid as any other time witnessing a show. Songs spanning a pair of sets adding to a stacked evening of music showcased the breadth of a career.

 The title track off the latest record 'Dream Pictures' segued into the opening piece and the ever evocative 'Too Stoned to Cry' represented a young Andrew Combs naively thinking Music Row wanted real country music. Whatever song was presented, the clarity of a stunning structure shone through. Familiar ones like 'Hazel', 'Dirty Rain' and 'Rose Coloured Blue' reached out to touch the audience. Newer ones like 'Eventide' and 'The Sea in Me' invite you more into the mind of Andrew Combs. My two favourites from the evening were 'Strange Bird' written for his wife and the etched classic 'Rainy Day Song'. In recent times I've banged on about artists having a live staple song that is perpetually gifted to audiences. The latter will always be the 'Andrew Combs calling card'. 

Inevitably, the pair got together for the finale with the addition of deftly played electric guitar lighting up a couple of songs including 'Silk Flowers'. We were now in added value territory. The most pleasing aspect was Andrew Combs had nailed Birmingham. A patient 15 year wait for some.

Full credit to Dan Whitehouse for stepping in to enhance an evening that would have been stellar without his input. He helped bring the best out of Andrew Combs who thrived in the setting. Throw in a Desi pub experience and bostin' signs in Tipton on the 'New Road', and there was a little bit of the Black Country for the visitor to take with him on his travels. A night with surprises, yet echoing the magic of the stellar song.