CityLife

We are both great fans of Lucinda and were really looking forward to seeing her for the first time. However, I must admit that we came away rather disappointed. The set was much "rockier" than we expected since we prefer the slower material but the most disappointing aspect was the sound. It was very loud but in an over amplified sort of way rather than like a good hi-fi cranked up to 10. We were in the circle sat centre stage in Row D. The highlight was the an almost acoustic version of Overtime.<br />

Hello,<br /> <br /> First time seeing Lucinda Williams,and at the risk of sounding like an ungrateful wretch,after a long day I must admit I wasn't particularly in the mood for schlepping along anywhere.<br /> <br /> Man alive,am I glad I did!That was the best show I have seen since my last best show (er,[url=http://www.iorr.org/talk/read.php?1,1103717]The Lightning Seeds last Sunday[/url]) and a little different from what I expected,which was acoustic and occasionally melancholic songs delivered beautifully.<br /> Yes,I did get that but this show was a lot more electrified and upbeat too.As LW said when she was reminiscing about how long it took her to get a record deal,she was always told by record execs that she fell between two stools,rock and country,and therefore they passed on her.Berks.<br /> <br /> There were another four musicians onstage (Chet Lyster on guitar and keyboards,David Sutton on bass,Butch Norton on drums and guitarist Eric Schermerhorn) and the sound was just the best:I mean that both how they played and they actual quality of their sound was as you wanted it...full,loud but clear.<br /> <br /> LW was in a relaxed mood from the beginning,and even when she had to restart a rarely-played song ('Memphis Pearl') twice because she thought she was starting it in too high a key she was able to laugh and we saw her wonderful smile:this would always reappear when she turned to engage with one or more of her band-mates.<br /> <br /> She was happy to chat briefly about the genesis of each song before she played it,and how she felt when she first picked-up a guitar in 1965 and heard the wonderful music of Dylan,The Stones,Neil Young etc.,which connected right away then and how she still felt like that today.<br /> I only own one album of hers ('Car Wheels...') but I know realise that Lucinda Williams's taste spans Country,Rock,Blues and maybe more besides.I am also glad that I've got a little exploring to do,hah-hah!<br /> <br /> [IMG]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i26/simon_who/Album%203/IMG_9678.jpg[/IMG]<br /> <br /> [IMG]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i26/simon_who/Album%203/IMG_9687.jpg[/IMG]<br /> <br /> [IMG]http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i26/simon_who/Album%203/IMG_9680.jpg[/IMG]<br /> <br /> Come back soon,LW.<br /> <br /> Cheers,<br /> <br /> Si.<br />

I wouldn't say I was a dedicated fan of Lucinda's, having seen her at the Apollo about seven years ago and not really been impressed, but I do own several of her albums and there are nuggets to be found on each one. Besides, it doesn't take much to tempt me into the wonderful Bridgewater.<br /> <br /> Having said all that, this was an enjoyable, value-for-money (at 1hr 45 minutes by the headliner) show. Lucinda has a bad reputation for live performance, with even a Facebook site to that effect, but musically she was on top form last night. Playing in front of an excellent band didn't hurt - each one casually proficient at his instrument, melding together for some great jams (Well Well Well in particular featured an epic guitar workout). Essence was beefed up to good effect, and other tracks from her earliest days up to her latest album, Little Honey, sounded great in this context. One or two slipped by unremarkably, and her between song banter seemed strangely awkward and nervous, but there was no doubting her sincerity. She introduced every song by name and album, which was a nice touch, and seemed to enjoy herself and the reception she received.<br /> <br /> She promised to come back after her next album - if she plays the Bridgewater, it's a date.<br />