Considering I have been buying Jeffrey Foucault records for nearly twenty years this I think is the first time I have seen him live. Shame on me and for that I apologise Jeff. I have always been a sucker for a steel guitar and a pedal steel. Well tonight both are on show with Foucault armed with his steel and his compatriot tonight Eric Heywood finger pickin on his pedal steel.
The show is equal parts music, storytelling and self-deprecating humour with some special mention to the reservedness of English audiences. One story involves him only knowing that an audience was out there because of the rise in temperature of the room from the warm bodies. From churches to bowling clubs they have performed on many different stages but tonight it’s at a proper historical London venue.
Where to start with the quality of performance tonight. Both are virtuoso musicians delicately playing off of each other and blending the sound from the two steels perfectly. Then there’s Foucault’s voice, a rich instrument itself with a hint of Neil Diamond in there somewhere.
A master songwriter in that storybook style regaling us with tales of life, love and the road each tune taking us on tortured a journey through the American countryside. Such is the bond between the two musicians that a new song ‘Night Shift’ sounds like a well-worn classic.
This was one of those nights where there was no individual highlight such was the quality on show throughout. A lesson learnt for me and I will ensure that I am back for the next time he hits these shores.
Keep on steel guitar finger pickin’ rockin’ y’all