Harley Young is transported to Southern America with country-pop crossover music from the 60s
Totally subjective rating: 9/10 for a beautiful marriage of 60s country and the modern day appreciation for music
Who: John Grant sings the songs of Patsy Cline with Richard Hawley and band
Where: The Hall, Aviva Studios
What MIF 2023 says: Two of the best live artists around come together in celebration of the legendary country star. What we say: A collaboration between two powerful musicians; one leading with impressive pipes as the other enthrals with captivating baritone guitar. A performance that Patsy herself would be proud of.
Patsy Cline is widely recognised for paving the way for thousands of country stars who took to the mic since, before her life was tragically cut short in an aviation accident in 1963 when she was aged just 30.
Thankfully, musicians like John Grant and Richard Hawley have been able to keep the powerful songstress’ legacy alive with their beautiful renditions of her timeless classics.
Last night, Michigan-born singer John Grant took to The Hall stage at the brand new Aviva Studios as part of Manchester International Festival, accompanied by award-winning singer-songwriter from across the pennines in Sheffield, Richard Hawley. The pair were joined by a full band and interpreter who communicated the evening’s performance for those hard of hearing.
John Grant moved the audience with his recital of Patsy’s classics and lesser known gems, taking fans on a journey through songs that shaped his younger years like Never No More and I Fall to Pieces as well as shedding light on the backstory of Walkin’ After Midnight, said to be the ‘first documented song about dogging’ which is known as ‘cruising’ in the US.
He also told the crowd how he loved country music but often had to listen to it in secret as a lot of it was considered to be risque for families who grew up under the guise of the methodist church like his. He mentioned that his mother allowed him to listen to Johnny Cash because he had a hymns album but Patsy didn’t as she was ‘too nasty’.
Every few tracks, John paused to share another delightful snippet of Patsy Cline’s life and history before serenading the sold-out venue with tender vocals as they swayed to tunes accompanied by beautiful baritone guitar from Richard Hawley. All in all, an amusing and entertaining way to spend a Tuesday evening.
Follow Harley Young on Twitter @Harley__Young
Read next: MIF ’23 Reviews: You, Me and the Balloons
Read again: MIF '23 Reviews: THEY with Maxine Peake at John Rylands Library
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