GIG REVIEW: Kathleen Edwards
- Posted on March 7, 2008 1:28 PM
- 1 comment
Kathleen Edwards
Album Showcase
Gibson Guitar Studios, London
By Katie Spain
We’re glad to hear that the Kathleen Edwards showcase is at the Gibson Guitar Studios in London. Not only is it central, it’s also one flight of stairs above our editorial computer screens. Yes, we’re in the same building and yes, we’d hear the strumming of Kathleen’s guitar even if we didn’t attend the gig. Luckily, we were in fact, invited to the live rendition of some of the tunes on her new album ‘Asking For Flowers ‘.
One of the advantages of working below a guitar headquarters is the constant flow of musicians piling out of vans. When Kathleen and her entourage pull into the carpark, we like her instantly. She has the laid back look of a woman who doesn’t give a damn about dressing to the nines. Her autumn-coloured curls and concentration-packed expression are 100% natural. We soon find out that this authenticity transfers to her on-stage stage performance.
For someone who’s performed on David Letterman, opened for Willie Nelson, John Prine, Aimee Mann, My Morning Jacket, John Mayer and Bryan Adams, Kathleen seems vulnerable on the Gibson stage. Maybe us London music bods look scary. This Canadian however, has toured Australia and Europe – and what could be more intimidating than a room full of Aussies?
Against the Gibson Guitar backdrop, Edwards’ music speaks volumes. Her voice tells stories packed with humour, heart-felt emotion and honesty. We only have the pleasure of a short set, but what we do hear, pulls us into her. Country, Folk and Pop Music aren’t usually at the top of my list but this mix hits the spot. The vibe in industry launches never mirrors the buzz of the general public. But if you gave me a fine glass of wine and a patch of grass, I could happily pass a summer’s day at a festival with tunes courtesy of Kathleen Edwards and co.
Highlights tonight are ‘I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory’ (don’t you hate it when that happens?). ‘Scared At Night’ is heart wrenching stuff, during which guitar and voice intertwine like dolphins at play. The crowd’s united expression mirrors the lyrics; yes Kathleen, we’re believing in you now honey. ‘Asking For Flowers’ follows suit and takes her heart and pours it all over the wooden floor.
Although Edwards stumbles during her pre and post tune banter, her tunes are faultless. Nice is a fitting word. The reception is warm but it’s not a foundation-rocking extravaganza. It’s just as well really – our colleagues below wouldn’t know what hit them.
Since the showcase, I’ve listened to Kathleen’s tunes again and they are certainly growers. The showcase lacked that special something but through familiarity I’ve found it. Let’s hope we see this Canadian back on British soil soon. Colours shine brighter when the surroundings match the feathers.
'Asking For Flowers' was released worldwide on March 4, 2008.
Related links:
Kathleen Edwards concert tickets and listings.
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Kathleen Edwards official site.
Kathleen Edwards MySpace.
Gibson Guitars UK
Comments (1)
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Posted on June 3, 2008 9:07 PM
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