Kristy is one of the best

THIS was a value-for-money three artist line up.

First up this hot, sticky and balmy evening, with summer having arrived was bubbly and far-too-confident-for-her-age hometown songstress Izzy Ferris, her bright and breezy vocals accompanied by her acoustic guitar (and for one number harmonica) work.

There are quite a few female singer/songwriters on the local scene at the moment and Issy is another one with plenty of promise, obviously very comfortable performing. Her original compositions, including When You Come Home, written about her relationship with her sister, were well written and performed. She also added a few covers to her set, including an excellent version of Oh My Sweet Carolina the Ryan Adams number and I also loved her idea of putting together a melody of her favourite songs, which included a snippet of the Beatles number Twist and Shout.

Next and up billed as a two piece, Minky G and Rosco from way down-under actually performed as a threesome with the addition of a special guest on stand-up bass. Theirs was a very enjoyable, lively set mixing jazz, folk, pop and even blues to great effect. Their part of the evening included cracking covers of the Bill Withers classic Lovely Day (very apt!) and ,after joking that they are often asked because they are Australian if they play any AC/DC (they don’t), instead, in tribute to their homeland, they gave us a superb version of the Crowded House number Weather With You.

On the original side I really enjoyed (hope I have the title right!) Grey Skies, written when they first arrived in the UK.

Plenty of variety in this set including Minky G, swapping her guitar for a ukulele for one number and Rosco showing his prowess on blues guitar on another, this show is part of a UK tour and sure they will go down well wherever they perform.

Headliner time and Kristy began her set with her top class rendition of the Bob Dylan penned Don’t Think Twice It’s All Right, followed by a magnificent Fending Off the Frost - in my opinion the best track on her stunning latest album Spinning Plates. The guitar work on this number is fabulous and it just rolls along.

No surprise that plenty of material from her new album aired at this show including the powerful Annie Said, the uplifting Beautiful Bouquet and the last track of the evening (and as perfect for that as it is as album closer), the beautiful and poignant Until Then.

I never tire of seeing Kristy perform. Her unique, powerful and emotional vocals combined with sublime guitar work and songwriting of such quality, depth, emotion and melody always make for a top gig and she never seems to slow down.

She is simply just one of the best singer/songwriters around.

Verdict: Another quality, great value evening of live music.

Andrew Lock

Caption:

Kristy Gallacher performing at the Venew in Leamington. Picture by Andrew Lock.