Booked for this relatively late, largely on the strength of owning and enjoying Gretchen Peters 2015 release “Blackbirds”. Looked on-line on the off chance after a reminder email and was fortunate enough to get two of the last tickets remaining for Thursday night at the Apex in Bury St. Edmunds. She may often be compared to her country alumni (usually by the critical fraternity) but her peppery barbs have little in common with any of her peer or contemporaries.
Accompanied by a sympathetic band Peters is a great storyteller, developing a lyrical narrative that gives just enough information whilst still allowing for the listener’s personal emotional resonance; it’s this that binds you to Gretchen’s songs and characters, creating a connection that remains. Lyrically stronger maybe, I could have survived a little more musical variation, but that really is just picking at the margins. A lovely talent.
And as a beautiful addition, we had Kim Richey playing a ‘girl and guitar’ support set, a revelation who will undoubtedly be a glorious addition to my music collection and now known for more than the songs she wrote and were recorded by more noted performers.