It is a healthy sign for the Americana scene in the UK when a smallish pub in the countryside outside High Wycombe attracts 50 people to see an hour and a half of charming live music. Caroline Spence and Robby Hecht each have their own careers and solo albums but obviously they take great delight in writing, recording and gigging together. Their new album, ‘Two People,’ is traditional Americana with warm, personal songs well written and intimately performed. Continue reading “Robby Hecht & Caroline Spence, The Harrow, High Wycombe, 26th August 2018”
The Garage at Highbury Corner is one of those large black sheds which holds around 600 people and it was sold out on Tuesday night for Lukas Nelson’s first big headlining gig in the UK. Already making waves after backing Neil Young on several albums and tours, Lukas Nelson was one of the standout performers of C2C earlier this year, his appearances there winning him many new fans who turned out to watch him on a hot and sticky London summer night. 
Islington’s Union Chapel is perhaps the favourite venue of many of the musicians who perform in London. It seats around a thousand people (on very hard Church pews admittedly) but the reward for the gig goer is an intimate atmosphere and wonderful acoustics. There is a strict noise limit and a 10.30 curfew which suits the acoustic players perfectly. 
First time for this reviewer at The Islington in Tolpuddle Street, a traditional room behind a pub with space for around 120, the stage taking up around a third of the floor space. A fine compact and intimate space to see Heather McEntire promoting her album ‘Lionheart’ which has been well received across the board. Taking time out from Mount Moriah, McEntire, accompanied by fellow MM member Jenks Miller on guitar, played rhythm to great, mean and menacing effect. 
Bush Hall is one of those milestone venues for many artists when they are building their careers as it is just the right size to test whether an act can headline their own London show. With a capacity of around 240 the Hall feels fine with anything over 100. 
Nathaniel Rateliff managed a remarkable feat for an artist whose name is not part of the musical mainstream. He sold out 3 nights at Shepherd’s Bush, which means 6000 people turned up to watch what surely must have been one of the best run of gigs held there for a long time. Rateliff was supported by long term Gospel Americana band Slim Cessna’s Auto Club who enthusiastically warmed up the crowd with a lively set which featured seven band members including pedal steel guitar, saxophone, bass and drums as well as three guitarists. Slim himself was a tall and rangy figure sporting a full 10 gallon hat and was very comfortable on stage. He knew just what to do to get everyone into a party mood and it was lovely to see Rateliff himself join them for their invigorating finale.