Fifteen months after Ashley Campbell and Thor Jensen made their Kings Heath debut, the couple popped back to the Kitchen Garden to establish their duo act as a serious proposition on the UK live circuit. A healthy attendance pushing towards capacity passed through Fletcher's to take root in a venue not known for its Friday evening gigs. Music tends to be a Sunday to Thursday operation at the Kitchen so it was interesting to see whether an incursion into the weekend changed the dynamics. Plenty of familiar faces gave one answer but a straw poll conducted from the stage revealed plenty seeing the duo for the first time. Therefore a general turnover in crowd from an equally well-attended event in November 2023.
Whether you went to one or both of the shows, the impact, delivery and composition were similar. Two sets, two guitars, plenty of added banjo and a raft of songs spawning from multiple sources. The previous show was around the time of the first Campbell Jensen album. The ensuing period has allowed TURTLE COTTAGE to gain traction with many show opportunities to sell copies to interested punters in the aftermath of an exquisite performance. One such occasion was a super display of musicianship on the Friday evening at The Long Road festival in August.
The setlist comprised of most of the album with a handful of choice covers slotted in to show awareness, interpretation and inject a slice of familiarity. Maybe there were some in the audience keenly waiting for a couple of well-known songs and Campbell Jensen responded with 'Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain' and 'Gentle on My Mind'.
The latter presents something of a dilemma for me. In the previous Kitchen Garden appearance, it was omitted from the set. This enhanced a perception, from an admittedly small sample, that the Campbell Jensen incarnation was a serious stab at forming a new musical identity for Ashley Campbell. Having followed her career for ten years, the factor of being Glen Campbell's daughter strongly flavoured things. That night I was up close and personal to an artist in a period of change in the midst of incredible chemistry with her astute guitar playing partner, Leaving out a signature tune seemed symbolic.
On the other hand, the version shared tonight was absolutely stunning and it indeed is one of the best songs ever written. Never let it go but frame it as a beautifully curated Ashley Campbell version. Maybe for me there was the difference of being seated on one of the elevated stools at the back for this show. What you lose in artist intimacy is compensated by a different and improved sound quality. Therein lies a debate whether the best gigs require sound perfection or an immersive experience that can't be enjoyed elsewhere.
From the covers selection, Tom Waits' 'Long Way Home' appeared in both shows, while Dolly Parton's 'Do I Ever Cross Your Mind?' was a new one. The pick of the tracks from the debut Campbell Jensen record included 'Tank and Babe', 'Perfectly Alright' and 'Waiting on the Summertime'. The style of music eases between country, revivalist folk and jazz of both a late night lounge and guitar-inspired gypsy sound.
In between songs, the patter is warm and irreverent. Not too many nuggets but stacked with an appeal that can only be replicated in an informal live setting. Musically, Jensen's acoustic guitar playing is impeccable and jaw dropping. Campbell's silky vocals and complementing banjo add the cream. Together they harmonise with the best.
Ashley Campbell and Thor Jensen continue to gain a foothold in the UK live music scene where they seem most active at the present. The future may be informed by other ventures but this incarnation has worked a treat for those seeking something new with traces of familiarity.
