Anseo's small, intimate upstairs room hosted this debut Dublin gig for this talented quartet. They will undoubtedly return to bigger venues in the future.
Although Grey DeLisle and Blue Ribbon Boys frontman Eddie Glendening are the ostensible focus, praise should go to the solid input of upright bassist Jonny Bowler and Telecaster virtuoso Jacob Woodside. Alongside Glendening, this trio opened the show to much applause for their mix of original songs, which are due to appear on an upcoming album, and covers of such icons as Roy Orbison, Marty Robbins and a very well-received rendition of a song by Bakersfield singer Billy Mize.
The second half of the show opened with De Lisle adding her exuberant personality and distinctive vocals on a number of songs from across her catalogue. These included the often-bittersweet humour of her songs like Quit Picking’ On Me, the heartfelt tribute to her grandmother (who raised her) Don’t Let Go Of My Hand, and a song she explained came out of an argument between her and Glendening wherein he told her that he would go back to Denver and she could go to hell. That phrase stopped the argument and became the title of the song. They also did a duet, trading verses, which worked well, and was titled Get My Picture. Many of DeLisle songs have an observational quality that underscores her writing. They also included a Spanish-language song, Bésame Mucho, recorded in the Cash’s Cabin and produced by John Carter Cash, and a CD EP from that session was available to buy. A welcome addition to her expanding catalogue, which will soon include material recorded in Belfast on this short visit to these shores. That will undoubtedly happen again; for fans of country and rockabilly, played and delivered with verve and skill, it should not be missed.
Review and photograph by Stephen Rapid