Gig Review - Nashville Style Songwriters Round with Gary Quinn and Friends - Actress and Bishop Birmingham

 

Gary Quinn could easily be described as a curator of UK Country Music and of Country Music in the UK.  You want to attend any show Gary is involved in just to see which of his many friends from across the genre he he’s brought along, and see the artists that he draws the best out of, by co-writing with them or featuring them in his shows.

Currently touring the UK with his Nashville style songwriters round, we saw Gary and friends at Birmingham’s Actress and Bishop on Friday night.  Opening for this leg of the tour was local performer Mikki Evans.  Dressed to impress, she seemed to enjoy being on stage trying to engage with the audience and encourage them to sing a long with a mix of covers and her own original music – co-written for the most part with Host Gary. Mikki was certainly making the most of this opportunity to perhaps win some new fans!

The songwriters round was made up of Gary, Dan Smalley and Jeremy McComb.  Jeremy is becoming a familiar face whilst Dan is new to the UK.

Growing up mostly in Louisiana “catching alligators” but having lived all over the US, Dan Smalley has a voice you simply get lost in.  It doesn’t matter what the words are, you are just engrossed, captured – and you are not prepared to stop listening at the end of each song!  His guitar skills are also superb, as was his foot stomping and little (and some big) kicks!

Sat beside him, Jeremy McComb is a singer, songwriter and comedian.  An absolute natural to the stage Jeremy has no filter, and his stories are absolutely wonderful – you’ll laugh until you cry.  All his songs seem to come from real life, and what a life it has been.  He’s unashamedly redneck and obviously has a huge fondness for where he grew up in Idaho.  Although he’s never been asked to write a song about his hometown, he probably wouldn’t get a job with the tourism board either!

Our host Gary Quinn is your man if you want heart felt storytelling to draw you in – and if the soft Irish brogue is your thing!  Gary is well practised at leading songwriters rounds and despite his own success and awards he always makes sure his guests are very much supported and centre stage.

Despite the intimacy of the venue these three characters with their powerful voices and great stories gave it a much bigger feel, and easily outdid the venue’s issues.  Its not a PG show, but it’s very entertaining!

You can catch Gary, Dan and Jeremy in Oswestry tonight and Manchester on Sunday for a St Patrick’s Day celebration, and you can catch all four artists at Buckle and Boots this year.

 

Tickets for this weekend can be found at garyjpquinn.co.uk

Silverball Country attended this show as guests of Gary Quinn

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