In a parallel world, Niamh Regan would have been opening for Hothouse Flowers at the Institute. Instead, on this evening of extensive Irish talent in Birmingham, it was a privileged smaller gathering at the Kitchen Garden that savoured the talents of this succinctly evocative singer-songwriter. Imagining the person playing several feet in front of you commanding a bigger stage was an easy task. Such thoughts were instantly smothered by seizing the moment, and Niamh Regan knew how to capture the present. Owning whatever space you commandeer is a winning formula. A quirky aura and alluring sheen puts her qualities in focus and a convivial demeanour channels reams of affectionate songs. The smile was infectious, the voice compelling and a sixth sense wrapped a warm musical blanket around curious ears smitten by the effervescent charm.
Niamh Regan has an endearing vocal trait.Within each song she slips in, consciously or not, an odd word or line in a spoken form. This is a style reminiscent to Laura Marling, so not a too shabby association. Another name conjured up from the vocals occurred during the best song on the evening. The mind settled on a sound akin to Frazey Ford when ‘Music’ caught the ear in the final throes of the second headline set.
The show was structured in three parts. Regan’s two sets of 35 and 45 minutes respectively straddled a short break that at the time felt like it broke the flow. The longer second part restored the tempo. The evening began with a half hour support slot from Midlands-based singer-songwriter Jessie Reid. The decision to pair both artists was wise as their left field styles complemented. Reid takes innovative guitar playing to a different plane adding a mesmerising accompaniment to her deep meaning songs. Mutual appreciation between both artists was replicated in the audience.
Jessie Reid has her own headline show at the Kitchen Garden in September and used this performance to warm up for a summer of festival appearances. Niamh Regan is a far more experienced artist but appears to be a new name for many across the Irish Sea. She commented on this being a first visit to Birmingham and with some luck hopefully won’t be her last.
Modern music media allows us to mitigate risks on taking chances with new artists. To Niamh Regan’s credit the live version immensely enhances anything experienced through the screen. The benefit of stripping away the lens. Maybe it would have been interesting to learn more of her musical journey during the inter-song chat but this didn’t detract from the benefits of listening to a unique artist in full flow.
Hothouse Flowers probably thrilled their old fans in the Institute. Niamh Regan did likewise for a new throng a few miles away. Birmingham possesses a rich Irish heritage and a small part of it prospered in Kings Heath this evening. A new potential favourite artist is often just around the corner.
