Tuesday 14th June, Amazing Grace, London, Hayes Carll
Its day one of a three night stand kicking off with a fine double bill of Hayes Carll supported by Caroline Spence.
A new venue for us tonight at Amazing Grace near London Bridge. As is the trend the space occupies some of a church but it’s like no church I have been to with a large bar and mezzanine floor overlooking the stage. Definitely a unique space.
Signs were not good when we arrived at 7.50 for Caroline’s set at 8 and doors had still yet to open. Clearly there had been a bunch of issues on the band’s journey from Norway the night before with kit going missing by the airline and the drummer having to beg, steal and borrow equipment.
Undeterred, Caroline started a little late but delivered a faultless thirty minute country folk set showcasing her great song writing and sweet voice taking in tracks from her new album ‘True North’ along with a few oldies too.
Next up is Hayes Carll. For some reason I don’t understand, its been thirteen years since we last saw him at the much missed Luminaire in Kilburn. Tonight he’s joined by a three piece band who never miss a beat all night providing the perfect foil to Hayes’ acoustic lead.
The set tonight is a perfect blend of new stuff and oldies with a significant chunk from the excellent ‘Trouble in Mind’. Hayes regales us throughout the night with funny stories and anecdotes and easily fills that sometimes uncomfortable gap between songs. A relaxed performer and you cant stop yourself being drawn into his world.
The new songs from last years ‘You get it all’ slide in perfectly with the oldies but for me the classics of ‘Beaumont’, ‘Bad Liver and a broken Heart’ and set closer ‘She left me for Jesus’ showcase Hayes knack for a good tune. Country music at its best.
A great first night to start the week.