As you walk along the side
of the Thames (dependant on mode and route of travel) to the icon venue of the
Half Moon in Putney, you know you are in for a great afternoon of music. This
year was no exception.
Alan
Finlan opened
proceedings on Saturday, the big man from a small town continues to play as
many gigs and festivals as he can. Playing more originals than covers these
days he has built a strong collection blending pop and rock into country to
give his upbeat sound. Working from his debut single Whiskey Eyes to
bring beautiful storytelling and powerful beats to good old country themes,
incorporating his own experiences. Outside of his set you’ll always catch Alan
around the bar ready to talk music and supporting his fellow artists.
Emilia Quinn brought
both new and old songs to her set, by old, she explained, she means those that
you can buy and play at home; one of the better plugs for her merch I’ve heard
to date. With the not to be mentioned
gap in live music, Emilia admitted a little worry about hitting the high notes,
but there was no need as she belted out song after song with her powerful and
gritty voice and had the crowd hooked - and a few bobbing along (it felt later
than two in the afternoon) Her set included the love song she wrote for her “wife”
Tammy, despite her claims that her love songs always turn out cheesy and its
all been said before, (and Tammy’s playful joust this was no different), it
wowed the crowd – if that’s Emilia not at her best it is a damn sight better
than most, we’ll take it.
Robbie Cavanagh arrived
at the venue as Emilia left the stage; having elevated Gavin’s blood pressure,
he incorporated the situation into banter with the crowd. This was a very
relaxed Robbie on stage, at ease with the audience, joking that those who
continued to pour in to the venue had managed to make him look punctual. This
was the best performance I’ve seen from Robbie, at ease which matches his music
which I find almost homely (honest and emotional), taking comfort in the
ability to predict the rhymes and lyrics. Not what you might have expected from the long-haired
young man in a Stetson and jeans stood in front of you.
If you haven’t been treated
enough, Gavin’s energy as he introduced the final act, Balsamo Collins Riley
told you something amazing was about to happen. Each famous in their own right, the skills of Pete
Riley, Andy Collins and Steve Balsamo (founding members of The Storys) together
on stage for the first time after the guys met up on Monday afternoons via Zoom
to keep each over sane and write songs.
Following no set list, the craftsmanship was evident, easily stepping in
to support one another’s songs. It felt
like a writer’s round as each had many tales to recall, they are colourful characters,
and their friendship and sense of fun was easily reflected from the stage. What
an incredible trio, what a treat and what a way to end the afternoon.
Large numbers turned up earl
again on the Sunday for day 2. Those that attended both days earned a verbal
gold star from Gavin, the others “would know better for next time.”
Tupelo Lime (Gram
Phillips with a friend) opened the day. With
an Americana setlist they took the audience on a journey across the States with
their songs. Straight in with Girl from New Orleans, they said it was
always good to get one out of the bag before we found out more about them. Gram
tries to write songs that have a social meaning whilst still being entertaining
(and the odd love song, if his partner asks!) With songs of affliction,
addiction, loss, hardship and death, it was a happy affair but a gentle
introduction to the day.
Did I say gentle? Well, it was time to be awakened, next up was
Eddy Smith & The 507. Offering something a little different (it
isn’t quite country or americana - a bit bluesy) this was a punchy performance
with a big opener Lost on You and an even bigger finish. One or two slow songs crept into the set
including the new Ballad of Bobby Grey and Eddy thanked those that had
downloaded the single, the 10,00 streams that had allowed him to purchase his
Lucozade. Humbled to be there, the five-piece
multi-instrumental (every band should have a harmonica) band and Eddy’s husky
voice and trademark piano (keyboard) demonstrated why they are gaining
recognition fast.
When you thought it couldn’t
get any better, Meg McPartlin took to the stage. Nervous, very humbled to be there, supported
by friends and family, even a little out of breath between songs, if you hadn’t
heard Meg before, you were about to be blown away! She has one powerful voice,
triumphing with a cover of Garth Brooks – Thunder Rolls but also incredible
writing skills. The latest single Falling
was written for the boyfriend Scott after just 3 facetimes- yes, she admits
she falls fast! Mesmerised by her performance, one lady said the hairs stood up
for every song. My favourite has to be Nashville Blues – proud to be a
British country singer she doesn’t need Nashville, this went down very well
with the crowd – and sums up the majority of the event. (But then I don’t need to tell you how good British
Country Music is, do I?)
But, if you wanted an
American act, you got it, and couldn’t ask for more with American Young
making the event the release party for their new album AY II. Kristy and Jon were backed on stage with the
British talents of Luke Thomas (guitar), Chris Brice (drums), and Phil (keys
and bass) who quite rightly they wanted to keep.
If you haven’t seen the duo
before, their high energy sets represent sound without boundaries, music unlike
anyone else. Both confident and talented vocalists they were at ease on the
stage, with the band and the audience. In-jokes were common, but they involved
the audience in telling of the pranks played on Jon before the show. Kristy shone
in her glittering full-length dress with side tassels (nothing mumsy there
despite the recent addition to the family) and Jon looked cool in a dark shirt
and glass, the energy never diminished as they bounced around the stage and the
state of the strings on Kristy’s bow highlighted the intensity of the fiddle.
But all great things need to
come to an end.
It is great to see Gavin
back on the stage, although his own microphone would make a nice future gift, so
he didn’t always have to bend down, and stood by the door to the green room
whilst Christine mans the merch table. The Chittick’s love of music is evident,
but they open up their home and support many of these artists in numerous ways;
they are one of a few people who do so much for British country music, so show
your appreciation and do yourself a favour and support the next event, there’s
bound to be something for everyone and it’s a bargain price. See you in
November…
Future details of CITA will
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