Looking
forward to a Holly Carter gig simmers with anticipation; basking in the
aftermath accrues the satisfaction of spending time in the musical company of a
wonderful artist. Instrumental prowess is the most celebrated side of her
armoury, yet when combined with a sublime voice, acute song writing and
engrossing presentation skills, the ingredients for a special night are in
place. Leamington Spa was the latest stop on a run of dates promoting the
recently released full length debut album. With Joe Wilkins on guitar and John
Parker on double bass, the stage was set for a show that eventually stretched a
lot further than a take on a very good record.
The
Temperance is a live music gift to the town of Leamington Spa. Additionally,
its accessible location draws people from neighbouring urban areas like
Leicester, Coventry and the West Midlands. A first descent into the basement
performing space is an eye opener. Repeated ones still hone in on a unique
charm. The packed schedule is a testimony to an organiser’s commitment to
grassroots music, especially those leaning towards folk, country and blues.
Holly Carter fitted the bill perfectly and left a gilded imprint after a
delightful performance.
The
evening was split into two parts. Joe Wilkins warmed up the audience with three
guitar instrumentals including one of a classical origin. Whether sampling solo
or playing with a number of artists including Elles Bailey, he is one of the
leading guitarists on the scene. His presence on Holly Carter’s songs, both
acoustic and electric, was notable. The main set ran almost to the hour and
half mark which far exceeds the length of recorded material available. Then
again, a few covers and bouts of informative chat extended the experience to a
hugely enjoyable evening.
In
her own words, song influences fall into two camps: social justice especially
through the union movement and mental health. The one middle ground part was a
personally inspired love song titled ‘Waiting
For You To Come Home’. As expected the entirety of Leave Your Mark was
played, starting with the informative story song ‘Stetson Kennedy’ and ending, like the album, with the instrumental
‘Morewen’. There was however one
added and unexpected treat in a Mozart-inspired bluegrass piece with Carter and
Wilkins in full flow and wholly in tandem.
The
song writing side to Holly Carter is shaping up to be a real gem. ‘What You See’, ‘Follow Your Lead’ and ‘Bear
With Me’ are songs with genuine quality and weave smart lyrics with
memorable melodies. The latter was one of two songs played on the pedal steel
guitar, a trademark part of her musicianship leading to accolades like AMA UK
Instrumentalist of the Year. The other song getting the extra twang treatment
was ‘Moody River’, first brought to
her attention via a version from Doc Watson.
Holly
Carter subtly slides in a political leaning through a desire to keep the flame
of past heroes burning. American unionist/songwriter Joe Hill is an iconic
figure celebrated by many musicians from Otis Gibbs to Billy Bragg. Carter has
produced an in-depth presentation of his life and legacy, taking it to places
like the Maverick Festival in the summer. One musical outcome has been a
fabulous version of ‘Where the Fraser
River Flows’ where she totally puts her stamp on an uplifting anthem. On
the topic of musical heroes with a cause, the other cover played was ‘Bob
Dylan’s ‘Song to Woody’, two legends
inspiring Holly Carter in addition to The Clash, Manic Street Preachers, John
Fogerty and numerous others.
Stories
flowed throughout as the focus also veered to songs off a 2021 EP in ‘Stella’ and ‘Our Hands Are Tied’. There was even a moment where the guitar was
put down allowing the gorgeous vocals the space to sparkle to new levels.
Throughout, the picking of Carter and Wilkins was exemplary, not forgetting the
added dimension of John Parker’s stand-up bass. He is such an experienced
operator that borrowing his skills will enhance any performance.
Holly
Carter and the Temperance were a good fit on this Sunday evening. She continues
to evolve as a treasured talent, while the venue retains its critical presence
in the ecosystem of live independent music.
