Gig Review: Hannah Aldridge, Pennoyer Centre, Pulham St Mary

PENNOYER CENTRE,

PULHAM ST MARY

Hannah Aldridge is steeped in the music of Nashville and Muscle Shoals, Alabama, the two cities where she was raised.

But Hannah is no soft country girl, as her gritty yet soulful performance proved.

Hannah’s blend of dark Americana and soul-searching lyrics provided interest and intrigue throughout her set.

The sellout audience was captivated from the start by Hannah’s wide-ranging voice and her accomplished guitar work. Every song was introduced with its ‘back story’ – what inspired it and how it developed. Throughout, she provided a light, witty commentary, but often with a dark undercurrent.

An unplugged version of “Howlin’ Bones”, an angry declaration of independence delivered walking through the audience was a highlight for most. In contrast, the sublime “Black and White”, written for her six year-old son Jackson (named after legendary performer Jackson Browne), was a melancholy sweet song straight from the heart.

Hannah sprinkled the audience with her own blend of stardust. GRAY KING