We arrived on the dot of 8 o'clock to a silent, seated and darkened room in Kings Place, with The Kennedys; Maura and Pete and their gorgeous Gibson's in the spotlight. Creeping quietly to our seats, we were treated to an evening of melody, harmony and relaxed, easy musicianship.
The duo played tracks from their newest album West, Maura's solo album Villanelle (released 12th May), a few from previous albums and a new song from Pete's album scheduled for release later this year.
Playing to a room of about 100 fans, the music was stripped back to two guitars and vocals emphasising the strength of the material and the performers. Maura's voice rang true and clear, supported by gentle harmonies and guitar solos from Pete. The combination was both disarming and completely without artifice.
Each song was preceded by a brief introduction explaining its genesis, some funny, some touching, but all providing an interesting glimpse into the creative process, and adding to the informal, almost conversational atmosphere.
In a gig like this, it's hard to pick a favourite, but a few numbers really stood out such as Fireflies with gracefully sprinkled guitar harmonics from Pete, Southern Jumbo (part-inspired by their matching Gibson guitars, part-inspired by a sabotaged gumbo!), and Travel Day Blues - which spurred a few dancers on to the floor.
The set ended with the Midnight Ghost, featuring some nifty fret work from Pete, and was followed by an encore of Love at the Five and Dime.
While the show was in a somewhat unexpected format for me, this was a performance of old-fashioned, honest and earnest American country music, which I hope to repeat whenever these two are back in town.
The Kennedys album West is currently available Here
Maura's solo album Villanelle is available Here
Set list
- West
- Locket
- Fireflies
- Mockingbird
- Bodhisattva Blues
- Elegy
- Southern Jumbo
- Borrowed Dress
- Winter
- Travel Day Blues
- The Queen Of Hollywood High
- Signs
- She Worked Her Magic On Me
- I Cried To Dream Again
- Bicycle With Broken Spoke
- Williamsburg Bridge
- Mad Russian
- Jubilee Time
- Midnight Ghost
Encore: Love at the Five and Dime
Gráinne
@grainne4u