Returning to Ireland after a scheduled September tour was postponed due to illness, Michael McGovern finds himself among plenty of admirers in the capacity crowd at Little Whelan’s tonight. It’s a very intimate venue, perfect for singer-songwriter nights like this, and the enthusiastic audience are right behind this Scottish contemporary Folk artist from the first chords of Sleep, Sleep, Sleeping, a song taken from his debut album, HIGHLAND SUITE (2021).
That album brough Michael to greater media attention beyond his native Glasgow and the momentum of his career has been steadily building ever since. There is a real warmth in the sweet vocal tone as he delivers his songs, on a borrowed guitar (a tale that he didn’t fully expand upon). He includes a further three songs from the debut album in his set, but focus is mainly on new material, and the recent release of THIN WHITE ROAD. Seven of the tracks on the new album are given an airing and in this acoustic setting, the stripped-down sound is very suited to the listening experience. Despite the absence of any embellishments from other musicians employed on the new album, McGovern does a fine job of filling out the song arrangements, whether by use of his engaging personality, his random story-telling, urging sing-alongs from the room, or his fine vocal range, which includes impressive falsetto leanings.
However, it’s the fluid finger-style guitar technique of McGovern that is most absorbing, and the easy flow of melody and rhythm that comes together in a seamless union. The title track of the new album is particularly memorable and In The Garden is a gently delivered song that captures the poignancy of lost love ‘If there were signs, I never saw them, Life appeared before my eyes, But I was glad that you met me, If only just to say goodbye.’ Proof, if needed, of the quality this songsmith possesses.
A recent gig in Sligo resulted in Michael getting to play music with Zoe Basha, a very talented American musician now living in Dublin, and she appears onstage for a fine rendition of the Hank Williams classic, Cold Cold Heart, the dual vocal working really well. Zoe has a debut album out this year, titled Gamble, and it’s very enjoyable - worthy of your attention. It's very much a rewarding evening for all, and highlights include The Will and the popular social media-hit, Evelyn. Another song is Ode To Laurie which is written in tribute to the English poet, writer, and screenwriter Laurie Lee. Another song is The Death Of Ann Miller and she was an American actress and dancer from the 1940s and 50s, acknowledged as one of the greatest actors never to have received an Academy Award nomination.
The story song Harbour tells of the life of an orphan girl who survives by any means possible, including prostitution and murder, and I’m Not Myself Today (Take Me Back) is also included from the debut album, together with Isle Of May which references a small island near the Firth of Forth in Scotland. Michael finishes his set with the excellent Billy Connolly song Glasgow which is dedicated to his grandfather and performed with a poignancy and reverence. In the best Celtic tradition, Michael McGovern proved tonight that "Whit's fur ye'll no go by ye!" A fine performance from start to finish.
Special mention for the opening act, Clodagh Rose, who was accompanied on understated guitar by Taylor Bailey. She performed with a confidence that shone through in her impressive vocal range and her songs included Learning To Live (‘Walking that tightrope from child to adult’), Could Be Good (the heartbreak of illusions shattered), Marie (a song for her grandmother), Tears To Shed (which would sound even more potent with a slower tempo), a lovely Irish song Mo Ghrá Geal and the words ‘ Mo Ghrá, Tá mo chroí briste’ (My love, My heart is broken).
Covers include So Easy To Fall In Love by Olivia Dean, and an impressive rendition of the Leonard Cohen classic So Long, Marianne. A highlight is the superb Proclaiming Every Scar, a song that references depression and mental health issues, and Clodagh’s heart-felt comments for those in need of assistance to reach out to a friend is met by real, spontaneous applause. A very enjoyable set and this Irish artist created a very positive reaction.
Review and photo by Paul McGee