Setlists:

Brendan Quinn ( 8:15 - 8:50 )

1.Pilgrims Of Eternity 2. Sonny ( R Hynes) 3. To Daddy 4. Stuff That Works ( Guy Clark )

5. Glory Of True Love ( John Prine ) 6. Be Like Him 7. You Don't Have To Call Me Darlin', Darling ( Steve Goodman ) 8. Solitary ( Neil Diamond ) 9. My Cavern Girl ( Tom Moore ) 10. Angeline Would You Like To Dance Again.

 

 Hal Ketchum ( 9:15 - 10:35 ) Band - Kenny Grimes (Lead guitar), Nico Leophonte (Drums) Keith 'Bluewater' Carper ( Bass )

1. Awaiting Redemption  2. I Know Where Love Lives  3. Millionaire's Wife (NEW!)  4.Too Many Memories

5. Tonight We Just Might Fall in Love Again  6. Alamo  7. The Unforgiven  8. I Miss My Mary   9. Five O'Clock World  10. Travelin' Teardrop Blues  11. Mama Knows The Highway  12. Yesterday's Gone  13. Hearts Are Gonna Roll  14. Stay Forever  15. Past The Point Of Rescue  16. Small Town Saturday Night

 

Opening for Hal was Irish singer songwriter Brendan Quinn who hails from Magherfelt in Northern Ireland. I was aware of his music before this evening. Brendan possesses a strong clear voice and the audience warmed to his 'afternoon in the pub' style performance.

Starting with 'Pilgrims of Eternity ' from his 2001 Album 'Small Town' he followed this with mostly covers. 'Sonny' a track recorded by Mary Black rested nicely on the ear as did 'To Daddy' ( Dolly Parton ).  John Prine fans would have been delighted to hear ' Glory Of True Love'.  His enjoyable 35 minute set ended with the self penned 'Angeline Would You Like To Dance Again'.

After a 25 minute interval Hal and his 3 piece American band hit the stage!

Launching into ' Awaiting Redemption' straight from the off the band sound was very tight and well honed and the high standard was maintained throughout. Next up was 'I Know Where Love Lives' one of 8 songs drawn from his 'Hits' CD. This demonstrated Hal's wonderful and engaging vocal which really draws you into the songs painting a beautiful picture of true love and where it may lie "Sittin' on the back porch with sea green eyes and chestnut hair."

He then showcased a brand new song named ' Millionaire's Wife' which he humorously remarked his wife Gina didn't like because of the portrayal of love triangles.

Fabulous to hear 'Too Many Memories' written by Hal's songwriting buddy and producer Steve Bruton. A song which Patty Loveless has also cut.

Another deeply romantic song followed 'Tonight We Just Might Fall in Love Again' from his 1994 CD 'Every Little Word'.

One of the highlights for me was to hear 'Alamo' from the new CD 'One More Midnight'. Great Nashville songwriter Gary Burr wrote this song about the famous Texas stronghold. Hal described how Gary came to write it by opening a book in front of him and then pointing to a word and then writing a song about that.' He opened up this book and he pointed to the word 'Alamo'. The result is a brilliant song and the live performance was absolutely stunning.

Hal drew once more from his 'Awaiting Redemption' CD with 'The Unforgiven'. Lead guitarist Kenny Grimes producing one of many outstanding solos and again most notably on 'Five O'Clock World'. During the set Kenny's playing drew smiles and admiring glances from Hal from what he was hearing from behind him.

Hal spoke about his somewhat hair-raising days touring with Jimmie Dale Gilmore. On which he met a guy lamenting about a lost love for 40 years. Hal said, "There are 2 ways of looking at that ". The song 'I Miss My Mary' was the result told in the first person, by a man who drowns his loneliness.

Hal then allowed his 9-year-old daughter Fana Rose to join him on stage. She was hoping to see the Queen in her House whilst Hal & the band were having a welcome break in London on this extensive UK tour.

' Travelin' Teardrop Blues' from the new album had a quite superb long fade with a hushed audience hanging onto every note - great moment .

'Yesterday's Gone' was another brand new song, which he played during a live session and interview on Radio Foyle. The song written for his grandfather is truly special, as was the band's performance.

Hal put down his guitar to sing the very popular 'Stay Forever' which had a very jazzy and different feel to it.

They then left the stage to return for 2 encores his career song 'Past The Point Of Rescue' and a rousing 'Small Town Saturday Night'.

Having waiting many years to get the opportunity to see Hal in the South of England I felt that the 1hr 20 min (16 song)  set was at least 4 or 5 songs short on the night? Notable omissions being 'One More Midnight' and 'Just This Side Of Heaven' which have received widespread airpower across the BBC Radio network promoting the new release.

Everything heard on the night was excellent, it just left you wanting so much more, which didn't quite leave you travelling home with a Satisfied Mind'

Andy Cole , Poole, Dorset