Live Review - Kim Richey

Artist:Kim Richey


Venue:The Cluny2

Town:Gateshead

Date:10/04/10

Website:www.myspace.com/kimrichey



I had heard the name of tonight’s opener, American Ashleigh Flynn, and was aware it was her first time in the UK. Unfortunately my high hopes weren't quite met. Dressed casually, she took us through some of her own material. This included, The Seventh Sea and Dressed and Ready, about being “all dressed up with nowhere to go.” She told us she spent most of her life in Kentucky, raised by Atheists and a Southern Baptist, which, she joked, made for an interesting upbringing, as well as inspiring the song Mystery, about the conclusions she reached about those big religious questions. She is very personable, as evidenced in her chat and jokes about the elections, before she ended with The Carter Family’s Will The Circle Be Unbroken; the one song I felt really showed the potential in her voice, at times reminding me of Eliza Gilkyson.



I was very excited to see Kim Richey headlining, having last seen her at the same venue, playing with Boo Hewerdine, in September last year. After shrugging off some technical problems like a true professional, Kim launched straight in, immediately demonstrating that her voice is as strong and distinctive as ever.



Chinese Boxes, she told us, was inspired by the film Casino Royale, though I won’t spoil the story for those who haven’t yet heard it! This was followed by the brilliant I Know and Every River Run Dry.



Kim had the audience in stitches as she told the story of her recent train journey to Sydney, which at best involved no sleep and being thrown off her bunk throughout the night! Such anecdotes demonstrate just how down to earth she is and how effortlessly she connects with her audience; like friends in her front room. Another such anecdote came when she introduced the beautiful The Absence of Your Company by telling us she’s heard this on Grey’s Anatomy, thought to herself that she really liked it, then realised it was her own song!



Audience participation was called for, and it appeared, enjoyed by all, as she sang the catchy and very true Once in Your Life, about taking chances and making decisions. We were also treated to great live versions of Life Goes On, Keys, Leaving 49, When The Circus Comes To Town and of course, her hit song I’m Alright.



A personal highlight of the evening was the beautiful Careful How You Go, from the new CD, written after a midnight walk through snowy London. It is like poetry and at times reminds me of Gretchen Peters’ writing – there is no greater compliment I can give! This was followed by the equally beautiful Boo Hewerdine co-write; Word To The Wise.



Another highlight came as a response to my request when she asked for them; I have always cited Straight as The Crow Flies as one of my favourite Kim Richey songs.



It seemed the evening had just begun when she was bidding us farewell with an encore of A Place Called Home.



It was obvious from the applause and post show comments that everyone had loved every minute of her set and was wishing it could have lasted a little longer. I am hopeful that now Kim is based in London, we may see more of her touring the UK. So, I shall close with a request; Kim, haste ye back to Newcastle, and until then, Careful How You Go.



Helen Mitchell