Saints and Sinners
Lauren Thomson, Tami Neilson and Jackie Bristow
Windsor Castle
February 6* *2010*
I seriously doubt you'll find three more talented women sharing a stage anywhere in this country than these singer-songwriters: not only do they individually have terrific and memorable songs (many of them), but they play the heartfelt ones from places deep inside and their kick-arse ones with undiluted energy.
Their humour is unaffected and infectious (a fluffed intro, a compliment that comes out wrong and so on are laughed off) and I have rarely been to a gig where there is such a sense of joy, and sheer delight in playing music for an audience. Not for these women some shoe gazing or "shucks you guys". They play their songs for themselves but reach out to their audience.
I guess that comes from having separately played gigs across the States and in Canada, and knowing that you have to try harder once you get under the lights.
But never once did these women look like they were trying: they just let the songs come out, sang harmonies with each other, swapped around their instruments and delivered great original songs (and a couple of stomping covers), some of which sound to me like contemporary alt.country classics.
I'm not going to single any one of them out, or indeed any song.
My advice is just go and see them, get a beer and prepare to be amused, engaged, made to think and laugh.
Take cash too because I'd bet you'll want to buy their albums on the door on your way out.
I'm told they are coming back for another gig in Auckland after their Saints and Sinners tour around the country.
I'll see you there -- because I /will/ be there. Again. And again.
Then on walks Lauren Thomson.
She too at first seems mild, meek and innocent. Then opens up with an oaken aged mature whisky stilled voice. You'd think you were with Eva Cassidy in the live gigs before "Songbird", where audiences were experiencing musical history, they really had no idea they had touched the hem of musical greatness. That's the thing about great these most humble of artists. They're all about the story telling. They live the story humbly, coming forward only with a sense of mutuality in sharing. It's not all about me. They live in the wake of personal sacrifice and because they feel it, we feel it.
If you haven't heard Lauren yet then make some time for it. You may have missed Eva Cassidy while she was aspiring, but there's still time to experience Lauren.
Joshua Thomas(www.myspace.com/joshuathomaswriter) To read the rest of the review on Miriam Clancy go to www.myspace.com/nzsingersongwriters
Review: Happy 30th June By Charlette Hannah
For me, the stand out performer of the week was Lauren Thomson, down to visit us from Auckland. From the moment she first started singing, she had the audience captivated, and each of her songs are gems.
Starting off with a haunting melody and subtle guitar playing, she moved to a more upbeat country song, and at one point even threw in a cover of Landslide. However I think her originals were just as good if not better than the legendary Stevie Nicks.
Lauren's voice is beautiful and engaging, and full of dynamics. It was very sweet when she asked her husband Ben up on stage to sing harmonies with her, and explained that the song, Our Love Is Due, was written about him just before they got together. Lauren has a glow about her, which is refreshing to see in a city where you come across so many world weary faces.
In all honesty, I didn't want to move for even a moment to take photo's. Lauren really did cast a spell over the place, and it was the highlight of a very busy musical week for me. She's definitely one to keep an eye open for, and I believe her EP, Our Love Is Due, is coming out soon.
