2024's Tigers Blood LP was a real breakthrough for singer-songwriter Katie Crutchfield who has been releasing albums since 2012 as Waxahatchee. Americana, alt-country, indie ... call it what you will, it struck a chord and it has catapulted the singer and her band to a whole new audience.
Glasgow Barrowland Ballroom is always an appreciative audience and last night was no exception. I'm normally in to catch all, or most of, the support act, but have to confess to arriving at 8.40pm after watching the epic, enthralling and entertaining 5-set French Open final between Alcaraz and Sinner. Apologies to Merce Lemon who opened the show. However, the tennis was incredible and I was rooting for Alcaraz!
The lights went down at 9pm sharp and after a blast of Dolly Parton's Here I Am, Waxahatchee walked onstage to a warm welcome. The 6-piece band were straight into it, playing 3 Sisters, Evil Spawn and Ice Cold, the opening trilogy of songs on Tigers Blood.
While the Barrowland roar might not have been as mighty as it was for the recent run of Leftfield shows that had engineers out to check the bolts on the roof, it reverberated long after the last of those songs.
Crutchfield's voice is absolutely stunning and it is lifted higher when she harmonises with Eliana Athayde who also plays bass. Elsewhere we had Spencer Tweedy a super tight and loose drummer, Cole Bergen on keys/banjo/additional guitar, a lead guitarist (apologies for not catching his name) and Colin Kroom on rhythm/pedal steel.
Kroom was absolutely sublime on the pedal steel, making it sing, soar, soothe and cry. What a gorgeous instrument and what an exceptional musician.
Problem With It from Crutchfield's Plains project with Jess Williamson was a standout. Super catchy, flowing easily and falling like a soft blanket over the Barrowland crowd. Right Back To It, which was absolutely stunning and possibly my favourite of the night, was dedicated to a couple in the crowd who had got married in the venue and chosen the song for their first dance.
Mud is another favourite Waxahatchee song of mine. It just has that natural American country flow to it. Hurricane, another from the Plains album, is also an absolute gem.
Crutchfield played guitar for most songs, while for others she danced merrily to the side of the stage or back towards her drummer. Her voice was super sweet and strong, soaring effortlessly when required, falling to a hush at others.
Tigers Blood closed the show, the band jamming on at the end, with Crutchfield walking out to the lip of the stage to raise her guitar to salute the crowd while continuing to play.
A 3-song encore ended with a beautiful rendition of Fire. Crutchfield and Waxahatchee are in sensational form live and on record. Hopefully it won't be long before the release another album and head back to Glasgow.
Looks like you were not far behind me, Murray!
ReplyDeleteWhat a show. Almost identical setlist to last year's QMU show, but can't argue when the songs are this good - and the addition of a Kathleen Edwards cover the night before my birthday?? Insert chef's kiss gif here :)