In one of the most controversial periods in recent political history, with an imposing Brexit and the Trump election, never before has there been a better time to witness a set from iconic activist, Billy Bragg accompanied tonight by legendary singer-songwriter Joe Henry. Tonight’s set is one emphasising passion, love and community. To say the symbiotic musical relationship these artists hold is no less than inspirational is certainly an understatement.

The majority of tonight’s set comes from Bill and Joe’s recent release, Shine A Light, which reflects their time spent riding across thousands of miles of US railroads, featuring a number of symbolic covers from across the ages of folk music that stress the significance the ‘hobo lifestyle’ has had over the genre’s history. The duo open with the iconic country song. ‘Railroad Bill’, their compatibility is immediately clear as the bonds these two have developed over a thirty year friendship begins to seep through. Bill’s lower vocals set the bed for Joe’s high tones to power over, which when combined generate a truly awesome sound that easily matches that of the trains they sing about. As each number comes to a closure, either Bill or Joe contextualises the significance of the next song in the set, this explanation is not only an added bonus for anyone interested in the thought process of the renowned musicians, but brings an entirely new dynamic to each song’s message as each lyric holds far more complex meaning than simple renditions.

Towards the midpoint of the set, Joe goes solo and plays some of his own material. As an American, the elephant in the room concerning the Trump election is quickly addressed, he first expresses “A deep sense of shame in his country” and the ways he feels the boundaries between nationalism and patriotism have become crossed. Tracks such as ‘Trampoline’ however make a pleasant appearance, stressing that despite dismal undertones to the evening, for Joe there is a sense of hope for the future. As the American approaches the stage’s grand piano he truly comes into his element. ‘Our Song’, originally written through anger following racist attitudes after the Iraq war, seems more relevant than ever and definitely is one that pulls at the heart strings. Joe’s voice slightly quivers throughout the number, emphasising just how much emotion the lyrics hold. Having released over 13 albums during his career, Joe is certainly a veteran in his field and his song choices tonight reflect this incredibly well. Each one excels in setting key themes for the evening and produced a superb midpoint of the show before a short interval.

Following a short interval, the lights dim once more and Billy returns alone to the stage. Opening with ‘Between The Wars’ the crowd instantly are on the edge of their seats as some begin to preach the lyrics with the enthusiasm of a protest march. This trend only seems to grow as Billy plays ‘There is Power in The Union’, many raise out of their seats and throw their fists into the air in a chant of unity and yearn for change. Being the activist icon he is, Billy’s words concerning a Brexit and Trump society are cleverly intertwined with humour and stress themes of love and compassion very respectfully. He states the power that socialist, Bernie Sanders, held over the US election and too indicates a sense of optimism for the future through the power of solidarity, bringing the crowd into a sea of applause and cheers.

Joe soon rejoins the stage to play ‘Railroading On The Great Divide’ and once again the level of vocal control and complimentary nature each of the singers hold is phenomenal; once more Billy’s lows bring immense power and foundation that Joe is able to effortlessly bring unique melodies to, which greet the ear with incredible sentiment. Tonight’s encore comes from one of the duo’s heroes, Woody Guthrie’s ‘Ramblin’ Around’ and offers a satisfying closure to the evening and perfect ending to the metaphorical narrative behind the set.

Tonight has shown how despite two lengthy careers in the industry, both Billy and Joe still have far more to bring to the world, the two are the perfect figureheads in representing the power music holds over invoking real changes to society. No matter your political stance, there is no denial that Billy Bragg and Joe Henry are legends in their field. This is certainly a time for political singer-songwriters to thrive and Billy Bragg and Joe Henry are proof that American folk is not dying anytime soon and it’s preachings to a lead a life of freedom and love has become more significant than ever.
Ben Walker

Website: shinealight-joehenry.billybragg.co.uk
Facebook: facebook.com/billybraggofficial
Twitter: twitter.com/billybragg