Tuesday 20 May 2014

Melissa Greener, Garstang Unplugged, Garstang


Melissa Greener is an American singer songwriter originally from Detroit who certainly puts in the work and the miles. About ten years ago, while living in a village in China studying ceramics, she decided that what she really wanted to do was pursue a career in music. So she headed back to the States and spent a cold and rather unsuccessful winter busking in Memphis, or it might have been Nashville. Such are the stories she tells between her songs that it is hard keeping track of where she's been and what's she's done. But the music is the important thing.

Dressed in black and accompanying herself on a black Gibson semi-acoustic guitar most of her set comprised material from her latest release, Transistor Corazon, and her last record, Dwellings. Starting with 'My Country Home In Summer Glow' from the latter, her voice grabbed the attention of not just this reviewer but everyone in the room. Transistor Corazon was recorded with a backing band but songs such as 'Ghost in the Van' and 'Everybody Wants Some' sounded incredibly powerful with just guitar and voice.

Many of her songs come from her relentless touring around America and beyond but her home is in Texas as the songs 'It Gets Harder To Leave Texas Every Time' and 'On My Way Back Home' remind us. We were treated to some covers too including John Prine's 'Angel from Montgomery', which she dedicated to any fans of his and Bonnie Raitt, the Jesse Winchester song 'That's What Makes You Strong' while her beautiful version of the Beatles number 'If I Fell' concluded her set.

Support came from duo Luke and Mel who went down pretty well with the Lancashire audience. Their set included a nice cover of Johnny Cash's 'Ring of Fire' though it was a bit disconcerting to hear Mel introduce songs in an English accent and then sing in an American accent. But I guess that's par for the course if you're singing Country music. They joined Melissa for the encore which got the crowd singing along and rounded off a very enjoyable evening at the Kenlis Arms.

Colin Bertram
20/05/2014

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