Saturday 9th August 2014.
The Bluebird Cafe, Canonmills, Edinburgh.
Where Rodney Street surrenders it’s pavements to the stewardship of Canonmills, In the land of coffee and scones, there grows something acoustic and fun. In “The Bluebird Sessions” no knobs are twiddled nor faders faded just voices offered, instruments honoured and songbooks raided.
“The Bluebird Sessions” continued their momentum Saturday night with the welcome appearance of Courtney Lynn. Having heard a couple of her songs online I’d no problem buying her cd prior to her performance starting. And I wasn’t alone in that either. As the money piled up on the table I feared she’d take early retirement before her guitar had even awoken.
Fears were allayed when she took her place and settled in to sing and play. Blessed with one of those voices that has that breathy rasp in its quieter mode, it’s perfectly suited to the relaxed friendly atmosphere. Confessing that playing in such surroundings was like playing in someone’s living room I had the feeling the first couple of songs were Courtney finding the appropriate level for her voice.
A quiet start though simply enhanced the enjoyment of the evening. She started at a level akin to someone singing one to one and rose to become a voice that jointly hugged everyone in the room. Though I’m not fooled there, I’m sure there’s plenty of power in those vocal chords when required.
Amid songs about “September’s” smelling of pre school expectations, “Little Miss Sunshine” and “Fancy Trees” it was easy to be taken up by the charm of the songs. I’d write more about the songs but my attention was on listening not note taking. Describing music’s a hit and miss affair anyway. But if I were to offer some reference points it would be part Melanie and part Lucinda Williams, but the sum of the parts is original.
You’re gonna have to hear this woman sing yourself, which isn’t difficult as she’s constantly playing during the festival and is back here at “The Bird” on 29th August.
Best be on your toes though, one place has already gone for that one.
(c) Jim Laing 2014.
