Her sweet and husky Irish lilt has established Heidi Talbot as one of the finest singers on the contemporary folk scene, with several fine albums to her credit and an excellent live act. The current tour is to launch the latest album, Here We Go 1,2,3, which features more lyrics penned by Talbot herself than her previous work.
With her trademark fairy lights enhancing the stage, she's joined by two mutil instrumentalists in husband John McCusker and the risng star Toby Shaer, plus the magical guitar work of Sorren Maclean. And, this effectively being their home gig, Heidi and John had brought along their young daughter Mollie Mae to join them in a couple of numbers.
They played two sets, with a mix of new and familiar material. And Talbot made way for the talents of her band with a couple of rousing sets of tunes, mostly written by John and a song from Maclean (who provided backing vocals on many of the songs). The new material feels very personal, the lyrics drawn from experiences in Talbot's life, and there's a good mix of themes and tempos. The standard of musicianship is high. McCusker is rightly sought after as musician and producer, Maclean is well established in Scotland and beyond. And Shaer was absolutely their equal, providing some delicious flute solos.
Talbot's an endearing presence, funny and open, and there were several dry remarks and amusing stories from her spouse. They create a warm atmosphere, and whether it's a tender love song or a rousing reel the audience always feels complicit in the event.
Highly recommended.
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