The chance meeting between Alice Wallace and Caitlin Cannon a couple of years ago proved a shrewd move for both artists. The lure of Nashville has long been a major pull for singer-songwriters at any stage of their career. Remnants of success had accrued from operating out of their own western staging posts, California for Wallace and Colorado for Cannon, but no artist can rest on their laurels in the cut throat world of country music, especially when not cushioned by major label funding. In an industry cast under the shadow of a pandemic, a ray of light emerged in the shape of a duo calling themselves Side Pony and gears suddenly shifted for the careers of two songwriters ripe for re-energising a career.
Alice Wallace had already made inroads overseas in solo mode and plans were quickly put into place to tour the Side Pony operation once conditions prevailed. The band had already created waves in independent country music circles with astute praise for the release of a debut album. LUCKY BREAK was short and sweet but spilling over with heaps of impact. Touring it was going to require a touch of innovation, although both artists had their solo material to fall back on as well as a sharp ear to how they plan to evolve.
After an enterprising trip to Spain wooing Americana fans on the Iberian peninsula, it was time to put the bi-lingual patter on hold and head to a land where language still divides nations more from a lexicon perspective. From the opening salvos of what turned out to be a hugely entertaining evening, language innuendo and banter grew tenfold from the experiences of Spain as Side Pony set about laying all wares out in front for a Smethwick audience. This ranged from sharing inspiration to demonstrating how they were adept at re-defining the appeal of country music soaked in tradition, while coated in a contemporary sheen.
Great songs, golden voices, vivacious chemistry and loads of zany fun enthralled a healthy local turnout still adjusting to how live music is shaping up in a new cultural landscape. If you were to seek some sound comparison from the commercial end of country music the Pistol Annies come to mind. Although if Miranda fell on hard times, Thimblemill Library would probably turn them down on the basis of Side Pony already owing that domain!
Any thoughts of a short evening were allayed as the show extended to well over two hours allowing an intermission to generate those vital merchandise sales. Strategically the pair filtered in all eight tracks from the album. Each had a colourful introduction from the sharp incisive wit of 'Heels', through the recurring mermaid theme of 'Under the Surface' to the pandemic outcome of 'All the Time in the World'. If you weren't sold on LUCKY BREAK by ten o'clock then the boat was missed.
Outside the Side Pony material, Alice Wallace truly shines as an exceptional country vocalist alongside a dual knack to write fines songs and seek smart others. 'Elephants', 'The Blue' and 'Motor Cycle Ride' was three shared examples of why her 2019 solo album INTO THE BLUE met widespread industry approval. She also frequently played the straight part of the fun. However, we all know great duos bring different twists to the party.
Caitlin Cannon was certainly a character and the springboard for the playful wit. A zestful demeanour illuminated a venue that was already bathed in enforced light. Her trump card was to flick the switch from the playful entertainer to heartfelt country singer-songwriter capable of tending to a variety of issues and discomforts. 'Drink Enough' and 'Deliver' were two capable offerings from THE TRASH CANNON ALBUM released in 2020. She also shared a couple of new songs giving hints to what may be in store for Side Pony in the future.
A couple of contrasting covers helped inject some more familiar songs into the evening. A version of the Jimmie Rodgers classic 'Mule Skinner Blues' is an open invitation for Alice Wallace to test out her yodelling skills. To turn the mic on the audience, closing the show with a singalong version of 'Rose Garden' led to many budding Lynn Andersons in the room. A nice touch from two artists who clearly know their roots and allow many facets of country music to channel into the sounds of Caitlin Cannon, Alice Wallace and Side Pony.
This UK jaunt is a relatively short one for Side Pony. They won't be short of love to return from paths they cross on this inaugural venture. Although if things pan out, we may have to put in bids for their presence in lieu of bigger things calling Stateside. Not that Alice Wallace and Caitlin Cannon would forget their roots. They fully understand the power of spreading music in the communities and when it it as good as re-defining country music as showed here, a role for Side Pony would always be required.
