Banbridge District Council in Conjunction with Frontier Promotions

The Bronte Music Club is proudly sponsored by Banbridge District Council in conjunction with Frontier Promotions

Live Review

Rod Picott – Bronte Music Club, Rathfriland – 1 September 2007

Reviewed by Patrick Donaghy

Rod Picott was clearly delighted to be standing on the stage of what has been billed as Ireland’s premier music venue. The 18th century chapel complete with pulpit and dummy preachers is certainly unique and lends itself to a terrific atmosphere. Touring to promote his new album ‘Summerbirds’ which has a fuller feel to it than the previous, stripped down offering ‘Girl From Arkansas’, it was fitting that Rod was backed by a tight three piece band The Gun Shy Dogs featuring Chris Cottros on guitar, Jay Turner on bass and Rich Malloy on drums.

Hailing from Maine, but based in Nashville (where else?) Rod Picott is a seasoned troubadour who is respected as much for his song writing as for his performances. He has written with Fred Eaglesmith and good buddy Slaid Cleaves as well as touring with Alison Krauss. Rod now has four fine albums to his credit and he dipped liberally into all of them to serve us up with ninety- plus minutes of pure blue collar Americana bliss.

Tall and lean and looking slightly crumpled, Rod filled the stage with his presence and the room with his songs that ranged in mood from bitter and forceful to gentle and reflective. The play list kicked off at a blistering pace with Stray Dogs and later included Wrecking Ball and Broke Down both co- written with Slaid Cleaves. Something in Spanish and On and On, were both introduced with references to Bob Harris, whom Rod credits for his breakthrough on these islands. Circus Girl and Need You Bad were wistful and gentle in contrast to Torn in Two and When Your Bird Won’t Fly, which upped the ante and made room for some neat guitar solos. He finished off with a great song, Down to the Bone from ‘Arkansas Girl’, which had more than a hint of the personal about it. Coming away from this gig you realised just what all the fuss is about.

The support act was the highly talented Stewart Agnew from Dundalk who played a couple of numbers from his latest album ‘Gasstation’ which features Ron Sexsmith. Keep this up Stewart and your time will surely come.