The early start at this Venue, as it so often does, resulted in me taking my seat having missed the first act and some of Pumajaw`s. It was my loss. It did not take long to become engrossed with the rest of the set. The songs – some covers, most of them original – are tender folk ballads at the core. As they finished Rosemary Lane and the applause faded, the Bending Wood started. The hushed and attentive audience ensured that even the sound of John Wills foot tapping the time out was audible. Whilst Pinkie`s voice sweeps and soars, swaying in time as she accompanies herself on concertina – special in itself – to her side, John is building a sound. As much technician as musician live, with the aid of electronics and an acoustic guitar John takes the music to places that would only have been possible years back with a stage full of instruments. It is the perfect marriage of technology and tradition. The intimate stone cavern at the Cab only enhances the atmosphere created by the magical sounds coming from the stage..
Adrian Crowley provides a more varied end to the evening. Armed with an electric guitar, two violinists (well, one on viola) and a bass player fill out when required. The understated but beautiful starter Bless Our Tiny Hearts contrasted songs like Newfoundland and Photographing Lightening Strikes which could be the basis for three chord proto punk chuggers but work well enough in a stripped down format with atonal strings building up the sound. Walk on Part (in the Buffet of Your Life) has a country feel to it – as could be guessed from the title. Over the course of the set Crowley pulls from various influences – troubadour one minute, rocker the next. It keeps things interesting. Towards the end of the set Leaving the Party provides one of the evenings highlights, building from a solo ballad to a filled out song utilising all those on stage with him. At the end my only disappointment was missing the opening act Gareth Dickson. Two out of three`s not bad. I look forward to the next Tracer Trails night.
