Melbourne and the Midlands have become increasingly entwined in recent summers. Musicians from Australia's southernmost city have found a kind and appreciative fanbase in England's industrial heartland keen to host and support artists on their European travels. The latest presentation at the Kitchen Garden saw a new name revealed joining old favourites to serve a musical treat to fans buying into a style authentically layered and rooted in a progressive tradition. The show was billed as The Weeping Willows supported by Matt Joe Gow; the reality was old Melbourne friends sharing the spotlight.
Following in the pioneering footsteps of Lachlan Bryan in 2017, Matt Joe Gow is the latest singer-songwriter from a tight-knit community to try their luck in the northern hemisphere. An established operator in his adopted country, as originally hailing from New Zealand via Yorkshire, it didn't take long for this accomplished performer to make his stamp on fresh ears. The immediate thought on this opening 50 minute set was a masterclass in how to present your music to a new audience. Gradually it dawned that you were in the presence of an experienced artist, a cut above your usual opener with the nous to induce an innate skill to hit the ground running.
As accustomed with singer-songwriters of a roots-persuasion, shades of folk, country and blues come to the fore. The guitar playing style lent slightly more in the direction of the latter without overpowering the moment. Underpinning everything was an embedded commitment to the mission of the connective song. Threaded through a setlist extending to nine songs were reams of background nuggets offering an insight into what makes Matt Joe Gow ticks as an artist. Probably leading the way was the immensely emotive 'Between Tonight & Tomorrow' where intimate words cathartically soothe intense grief. This was followed by a more animated number in 'Whirlwind' opening the mind to the full band experience. Currently that appears exclusive to Australia, but where there's ambition, there's hope. Other high spots from an enjoyable introduction were 'Grand Ambition', 'Sweet Collapse' and 'Shipwrecked', the latter kicking off things just after 8. We quickly learned of the mutual respect and longstanding association with The Weeping Willows, so it was no surprise to see a reunited finale.
Before the show climax, an audience comprising of curious newbies and stalwart devotees witnessed an hour revealing what The Weeping Willows are all about. Laura (vocals and accordion) and Andy (vocals and guitar) were making their third visit to Birmingham in consecutive years. Each show at the Kitchen Garden has differed in format, yet largely familiar in songs. Nestling alongside their ability to make great music, The Weeping Willows set the agenda on 365 degree audience appreciation. 'Singin' the Blues', 'Black Crow', 'Wheels Won't Roll' and 'Travellin' Man' were amongst songs dedicated to those who have supported them on their journey - 'writing fans', 'promoting fans', 'airplay fans', 'super fans', 'travelling fans' and 'fans who step in at the eleventh hour'. Ultimately all fans matter to The Weeping Willows.
Influences run deep in the music psyche of Laura and Andy. 'Ain't No Ash Will Burn' gives a nod to the country style of Walt Aldridge (and a link to their mutual fandom of Hannah Aldridge), 'CC Rider' sees an old classic get a southern gothic makeover and 'Fall Out of Time' hails a Texas love. Staying with the Lone Star state, covering Nanci Griffith's 'Love at the Five and Dime' will always find receptive ears. It has been two years since the duo released YOU REEP WHAT YOU SOW. Not a long period for independent artists with all the cost-related recording constraints, yet hopefully some new music will start to appear if only shared and traded with live audiences. This duo are too good to not evolve their canon of work.
As intimated, there was a final twist when Laura and Andy invited Matt back to the stage to sing 'Too Far to Go', a song they collaborated on just before Melbourne became the most locked down city in the world. This was a fitting way to seal the latest extension of Antipodean alt country folk roots into a British music scene compact in nature yet deep in affection.
The Weeping Willows keep rolling on as one of the most innovative and hardworking touring bands. Always keen to seek opportunities and maximise a finite time in the spotlight. A duo with a keen eye on the past, present and future fermenting durable relationships. Whatever lies ahead is eagerly awaited by those bought into their music for the long haul. It will not be a surprise if Matt Joe Gow joins his fellow Melbourne compatriots - Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes, Riley Catherall, Charm of Finches and The Weeping Willows - in creating a firm foothold in the UK Americana community. The ambition is forthcoming and the music is oven ready.