Love At The "Bridgewater" Five and Dime

Last night I went to see one of the greatest singer / songwriters alive today, Nanci Griffith.

Last time she played Manchester nearly 2 years ago she was disappointing. So it was with a little trepidation that I went into the Bridgewater last night. I need not have worried.

The night started with Edwina Hayes, a young singer from Preston, via Nashville and a chip shop in Bridlington!! Clive Gregson, who is currently playing with Nanci, produced her debut CD. She was very good but as soon as she chose a cover of Randy Newman’s “Feels Like Home” it showed the difference in quality of song writing. All the same she shows promise.

She was followed by The Del McCoury Band, the world’s premier old school bluegrass group. They were technically perfect but for me anyway it lacked sufficient warmth to draw me in.

Nanci however proved herself to be in a completely different class. Her set was relatively short at 85 minutes but the quality was top notch.

She played songs which went right back to the early albums and right up to date with songs from her current “Hearts in Mind” CD.

It was great to hear “Working In Corners” and “Love At The Five and Dime” which she hasn’t played for years alongside the likes of “Late Night Grand Hotel” (sublimely performed), “Flyer”, “From A Distance” and “It’s A Hard Life Wherever You Go”

She is still a uniquely talented artist who proved again she is peerless.