Described aptly by Nadia Reid as a show that contained a ‘triple threat’, the trio of Jim Ghedi, Reid and Julie Byrne put on an exceptional display at St Mary’s Church in front of a packed and receptive audience. The co-headliners of Reid and Byrne are a third of the way through a major UK tour, and tonight saw just why they are amongst the most-respected and critically-acclaimed singer-songwriters working at the moment.
Starting the evening with a set that flowed easily from evocative instrumental pieces into traditional folk, Jim Ghedi (alongside the superb Neal Heppleston on double bass) was a fascinating opener. With songs inspired by ancient yew trees, or adaptations of poems describing the travails of scythe workers in his local town, Ghedi is part of that great heritage of folk artists passing on tales from yesteryears. His skill on the guitar, combined with Heppleston delicately and intricately wringing every possible sound from his double bass, found the perfect venue with the natural acoustics of the building allowing every note to hit with perfect clarity. In one of the understatements of the year, Ghedi announced before the end of his set that “we’ve played in worse venues.”
Beginning her set with ‘Seasons Change’, the softly-spoken Nadia Reid instantly cast a spell over the audience with a captivating performance switching between an acoustic and semi-acoustic guitar. There is a deceptive strength and sturdy defiance to her songs, and a stunning warmth to her vocals. Accompanied subtly by Sam Taylor on guitar, she gave a real showcase performance. Balancing poignant themes of lost love with a wonderfully self-deprecating humour – post-breakup song ‘Reach My Destination’ was introduced by Reid noting that, “there is nothing like being in a single bed in your mother’s house to make you feel truly single”. Set highlight came in the form of the title track from this year’s Preservation, with its simple yet beautiful chorus of: “I know I will find my one to hold on to” floating gently on the air. The act of discovering an inner strength resounds through the entire album, and it shone through every moment of this self-assured and engaging performance. As she finished on ‘The Arrow and the Aim’, Reid was met with a rapturous standing ovation.
Finally, to round the night off, Julie Byrne took to the stage. Starting with ‘Sleepwalker’, this was a timeless performance from an artist who takes ‘relaxed’ to a whole new level. Seated throughout and sipping on a tea in between songs, Byrne’s low, husky voice found the church acoustics once again elevating the performance into something remarkable. Using the same finger-picking guitar style as Ghedi, only this time accompanied by Taryn Miller (also known as Your Friend) who added a beautifully ambient echo throughout, a reverent hush descended over the audience. ‘Follow My Voice’ and ‘Melting Grid’ were jaw-dropping as Byrne’s haunting vocals washed over the room. There is something almost intangible about Byrne and, as she rounded off a perfect set with the ethereal and tear-inducing ‘I Live Now As A Singer’, she smiled and seemed to simply melt away into the night like a spirit that could never be caught. To see one of these acts is a treat, but as a combination it was superb. Three artists on the top of their game perfectly complementing each other, in a venue with naturally stunning acoustics. Truly a night to be inspired by the power of music.
Jamie MacMillan
juliemariebyrne.com
nadiareid.com
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