When two musicians you already admire decide to perform as a duo it makes sense to go and see what results. So over the water we went to see what the combined talents of Brooks and Sally could create. It was a disappointment, on arrival, to learn that Barker was stuck, with a broken car, still some way south of the border. But a short lived one when you realise you're still going to be seeing one of your favourite performers.
Very much a traditional folk club atmosphere, so each half of the evening started off with spots from locals (your reviewer was even asked if he'd like to perform, but I didn't think the audience deserved that kind of cruel and unusual punishment). Those that rose to the task were variable in quality, but there was one woman did an excellent job of a traditional chorus song, getting the audience to sing along, and the lowland pipes on offer had a beautiful tone.
I saw Williams, before the show, scribbling down a new set list he could perform solo. Once he started you'd never have known there'd been any disruptions to his plans though. He's a consistently good songwriter, and has a wealth of older American material to hand. The voice is smooth and relaxed, not with greatest of ranges, but he chooses his songs well to suit his limitations. Whereas the guitar work is of the very highest quality, effortlessly serving up complex rhythms and stirring solos, be it in blues, jazz or country styles. Add in one of the most charming personalities in the circuit, and a flair for anecdotes, and Williams is the complete package as an entertainer.
Much as I'd love to have seen the Barker/Williams duo perform, and hope to at some point in the future, there was no sense of feeling short changed. Seeing Brooks solo, or with other lineups, is always rewarding.
We were lucky enough to be their also as we were holidaying in Edinburgh.
ReplyDeleteBrooks was pleased to see our familiar faces on what was a difficult evening although you would never have known it once he hit the stage. Brooks is a consummate performer and a gentleman in the truest sense of the word.
We saw Brooks Williams and Sally Barker on the opening night of this tour in Haverhill Essex and where keen to see how things developed. I was impressed with Sally Barker and they worked well together. Brooks told me he was clearing the decks of his music to start afresh so Sally's inability to attend on the Dunfermline gig made things all the harder for him. You need the songs under your fingers.
Sally's latest album is superb as is Brooke's
Chris Kyan