May
Erlewine will no doubt have played to more populous audiences in her lengthy
career, but would have to seek widely to find a gathering of more dedicated
gig-goers than those frequenting the Kitchen Garden on this January evening.
Bestowed with knowledge, experience and a smart ear, they intensely soaked
up the divine offerings of our visitor from Michigan USA and duly responded
with the warmth and appreciation commonly showed to outstanding touring artists
in this intimate venue.
From the
opening strains of ‘Wild’, housed
within the 2017 album release MOTHER LION, to the crowning moment of ‘Never One Thing’ adding to its vast
amount of song admirers, May dipped into every nuance of her unrivaled class to
spin a magical weave of multi-faceted singer-songwriter music. Ably assisted by
her ‘trio’ compatriots, Julian Allan (percussion) and Max Lockwood (bass), the
treat splendidly dealt to those taking a chance on an artist still relatively
low key overseas, despite a well-stocked discography.
The current
tour had its launch at the annual Celtic Connections jamboree, famous for providing
musical comfort to a deep Scottish winter. Tagged onto this were a few dates
dotted around England, and there was certainly no harm tapping into a West
Midlands scene, often a challenging market to touring artists of an ‘Americana’
persuasion. However, the open and
affectionate way that May shone a light on her career, inspirations and
frequently free-spirited existence made any prior knowledge or experience a
non-prerequisite. Indeed, through a constant flow of musings, thoughts, amusing
stories and the occasional rant, a graphic picture of a performer born to share
an innate talent splashed across a spacious canvas.
If you like
your Americana a patchwork quilt of folk, country and soul with a dash of temperate
pop, then May Erlewine comes the pre-packaged article. Throw in a honey voice,
a gracious smile and an acute knack of arranging a sophisticated sound in
strains of subtle simplicity, and the stage is set to for the holding of a
gratifying court. Songs for the memory bank were aplenty, with lofty candidates
for the standout moments starting with the delicious ‘Shine On’ ,the oddball ‘Big
Mama Brown’, in addition to momentous versions of the often over covered ‘Crazy’ and one like ‘Mama Said’ that could be covered more.
May
Erlewine’s brief visit to Birmingham left a notable impression, laying a foundation
that could grow with a prevailing wind. Sitting in the midst of her on-stage
charismatic appeal generated beams of spiritual waves and the introduction of
an artist with an impressive trail could not have been a more fulfilling
experience as a new gig year quickly moved into place.
www,mayerlewine.com
