Artist:Great Lake Swimmers
Venue:The Cluny
Town:Newcastle
Date:20/05/09
Website:
www.myspace.com/greatlakeswimmers
This gig was something of a strange setup. Listed as Great Lake Swimmers with Nate Campany, then there was another act in between.
Nate Campany, from Ohio, but currently residing in New York, opened his set with a couple of very pleasant songs, including one - In His Place - about a father finding rest and his son finding a way to say the things that were left unsaid. He then caught everyone off guard by opening the floor if anyone had any questions. Only a couple did, but he answered candidly. A few more songs followed, including a new one recently written on tour with Kim Richey. This was, interestingly, very different from Kim's normal, far reaching style. Nate has a great personality and a pleasant voice and mentioned that he usually tours with a ten piece Americana band. I would actually like to see him in this format as I think he would shine far more than he did, for me at least, solo. Hopefully he will be back in the UK again, so I can find out.
Next up was Sharon Van Etton, from New York, singing a variety of self penned material, including a song inspired by her idol, Diana Cluck. At times her voice showed potential, almost reminiscent of Eliza Gilkyson, but these moments, sadly, were few. Most of the songs I felt, were mumbled or screeched, although others seemed to enjoy her style. What I did love, was her expressions as she sang, enhancing the emotions of the lyrics.
Finally, after the second break of the evening, Great Lake Swimmers, from Toronto, Canada, took to the stage. Fifty-five years ago, Marilyn Bell took a plunge and traversed Lake Ontario. Back then, being a Great Lake swimmer was a big deal; now, it's an astonishing physical feat taken for granted. So, too, I often think, is being a travelling musician, perhaps their name means more than it seems at first glance.
What immediately struck me was that there were others in the audience in their 20s and 30s, which is unusual and very reassuring for the future of Americana music in Newcastle. In fact it was the most full I have seen the Cluny in a while, which leaves me to wonder where so many people have heard of The Swimmers.
They turned out to be worth the wait, as Tony Dekker led his band through a variety of upbeat and slower folk rock Americana songs which covered most or all of their albums to date, the majority from their new CD, Lost Channels. Banter was limited, I suspect due to the length of their set, but stunning harmonies between Tony and Julie abounded. They have a wonderful sound, blending traditional with modern, backed by a very talented band.
Standout tracks included Palmistry, Moving Pictures Silent Films, Concrete Heart, and Pilling on Line.
Sadly their brief set ended all too soon, but they did indulge us in an encore song - I am Part of Large Family - which whilst not their best song lyrically, has a good sound to end the evening.
I look forward to seeing a full length set by the Great Lake Swimmers very soon and am hopeful they will return to our shores, even if they have to swim here!
Helen Mitchell
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