The first debate is whether to headline this gig as Annie Keating or the Annie Keating Band. Trivial matter on one scale, but more pertinent when one musician from Brooklyn USA flies in on their own and hooks up with a temporary band drawn from the cream of UK Americana. Fluidity and improvisation are key criteria for sustainable grassroots overseas tours. Adding a touch of vibrancy and flair to an intimate show expands the appeal and those attending the Kitchen Garden felt privileged to be in the presence of four musicians exuding euphoric emotion from nailing the art of confined collaboration.
Witnessing this soul refreshing performance from close up inhaled the explicit gratitude of an artist forever adept at forging a receptive liaison with audiences afar. Annie Keating continues to heed to her creative whims turning them into hard edged projects that have garnered support here since the distant echoes of the BELMONT album in the late 2000s. 2023 brings things right up to date and an artist flowing with ideas, while committed to the buzz of touring since the naval gazing days of confinement. For this September run of UK dates, activity on the merch table leans towards the latest album HARD FROST that had a lower key route to market than some of the earlier releases. Like true professionals with a hearty back catalogue, Keating shared the breadth of her work opening with 'Belmont' before closing with a rip roaring version of 'Goodbye' from her triumphant post-pandemic album BRISTOL COUNTY TIDES.
This was the third time seeing Annie Keating play live. A set at the Maverick Festival and a show in this very room was taken in during the 2017 tour. Sadly other dates were missed, but there has always been a regular supply of new music down the channels. It was an honour to hear two favourite songs in the first set. 'Coney Island' was written for her son and will resonate strongly with anyone who has visited this iconic New York landmark. 'Hank's Saloon' came out of the lockdown retreat and broadens the influences that filter into the sound. Basically anything from traditional country to heartland rock.
The band effect became more expansive in the second set with perhaps the peak performance coming from 'On the Loose'. The trademark licks from Coombs are becoming legendary in an expanding circle, while the versatility of Dawson drives the beat. For those seeking a sample of the new record, 'Looking for Trouble', 'Witness' and 'Lovesick Blues' filled the template to tempt the sale. We are now living in a thriving world of John Prine appreciation. This evening was not going to miss the trick and the band had the extra vocals of Demi Marriner stepping in to help out on 'Angel From Montgomery'. A standard in the vein of 'Folsom Prison Blues' and 'Jolene' in the live cover sphere.
Keatings' vocals reflect the depth and poignancy of many of the songs. Not over stated, just neatly nestled in the foreground, while allowing the backing sound to form the framework. The chat was likewise, enough to engage and seal a sense of gracious camaraderie. You feel being in the presence of someone to believe in and want to champion. There are no hiding places in the grassroots, and only those with the required connective and adaptive talent succeed for the long haul.
Annie Keating remains the headline, but the band are ingrained in the memory. This Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter remains true to the ideals of the music etched into her blood. The fact that it comes out in this package we call 'Americana' embraces the view that smart folks seek sincere tunes where the song matters and the lyrics probe the shades of truth. Put all the elements of a top intimate yet pulsating show in the mixer and out comes - Annie Keating at the Kitchen Garden in Birmingham 2023.