Callaghan - Dingwalls (07/11/18)
The LONDON ROOTS FESTIVAL 2018
Line-up: Callaghan with special guest Danni Nicholls
Date: 7th November, 2018
Location: Dingwalls, Camden, London
Review By: Gary Smith (LCM)
Photo Credit: Mark Banks
When you have two of the finest fast rising UK female singer-songwriters on the same bill, you know you are in for a great night of music. The excellent 2018 London Roots Festival hosted this wonderful high quality event at the famous Dingwalls in Camden Lock.
Opening the evening was the very talented Americana singer-songwriter Danni Nicholls. It was very fitting that Danni returned to Dingwalls, as it was the location of the recording of her Vintage TV live album which was released last year. Nominated for both album and artist of the year at the recent AMA UK awards, Danni’s star is definitely on the rise. Her excellent third album has recently been recorded in Nashville and it’s set for release in the spring. From what I’ve already heard, it’s going to be very special..
A wonderful selection of songs followed including those from Danni’s award nominated studio album ‘Mockingbird Lane’ including ‘Long Road Home’ inspired by her home town of Bedford and the wonderful breakup song which is a personal favourite of mine ‘Beautifully Broken’. It wasn’t long before we had a taster of the new album with lovely ‘Losing It’ and a song which Danni described as a love song to herself ‘Ancient Embers’, showcasing this highly anticipated new release.
Audience participation was the order of the day next as Danni played the catchy ‘Back To Memphis’ with its very infectious singalong chorus. Ending the set perfectly with ‘A Little Redemption’ based on a poem found in a book at the Women’s Institute, complete with its ‘humming’ audience backing.
After a short break the very impressive Lincolnshire born but now LA based Callaghan and her three piece band took the stage. They started with the simply beautiful ‘Surrender’, setting the tone perfectly for the rest of the set. Moving seamlessly into the super ‘Solid Ground’. Callaghan’s recently released self titled album has an overall bigger cinematic feel which translates and works very well live. Her back catalogue also includes some very catchy pop tracks including ‘Crazy Beautiful Life’, which describes her often unpredictable but ultimately fulfilling life as a touring musician.
Always a crowd favourite is her cover of "Stand by Me", originally released in 1960 by Ben E. King and written by King, Jerry Leiber, and Mike Stoller. The audience didn’t need much encouragement to join in. A lovely version can also be found on Callaghan’s Acoustic Coffee House live album released in 2016.
Often Callaghan’s music is inspired by her life on the road and the people she meets on her musical journey. ‘When You Loved Me’ taken from her 2015 ‘A History Of Now’ is based on a the story of the grandmother of the family she was staying with in New York. Although 85 year old this lady could clearly remember her life in the 40’s and 50’s, including vividly her first love as teenager. Exploring the idea that people are alive as long as someone remembers them, the tender and reflective ‘If You Miss Me (When I’m Gone) was another beautifully written and performed song with the attentive audience ‘pin drop’ quiet.
The mood was lifted with another cover, this time Steve Wonder’s classic Motown ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours). This blended perfectly into the mega catchy reggae infused ‘We Don’t Have To Change The World’, a song about worrying less and having more fun, with another great audience singalong in the chorus.
In a world where a lot of communication is often through the internet or social media ‘Skin On Skin’ explores the importance of ‘face to face’ personal contact. The song was co-written with Grammy award winning Jeff Silbar, who also famously wrote ‘Wind Beneath My Wings’ among many other hit songs. ‘Who Would I Be’ is another highly crafted beautiful piano led track, full of personal reflection and feeling. Callaghan has a wonderful talent for penning songs with very memorable hooks and melodies. With it’s whistling introduction the relationship track ‘Better Together’ is another perfect example.
Written for her nephew ‘Noah’s Song’ provides much sage guidance and encouragement for a young person growing up in the world. “Try to touch the sky……I hope you will be alright……as you learn to fly”. Recorded with Louis Price (ex lead singer of The Temptations and The Drifters) and a gospel choir ‘The End Of The World’ was a thought provoking and beautiful uplifting piece of gospel soul-pop.
‘Broken’ could quite easily be the next James Bond theme, with it’s super string section provided by 30-piece orchestra. It’s big, it’s sweeping and very cinematic. Callaghan’s producers on her new album include husband and wife team Starr Parodi and Jeff Eden Fair who also composed the updated 2005 James Bond Theme, ‘Golden Eye’ and ‘Die Another Day’ among may other themes including Mission Impossible 2 and Harry Potter.
One my favourite Callaghan tracks, the very positive up-tempo and mega catchy ‘Best Year’ was the first in a very well deserved encore. It was one of the first tracks I heard back in 2015 and it still brings a smile to my face every time it’s played. Quite simply it’s bright summer sunshine and broad open horizon’s in musical form. With the band leaving the stage it was time for Callaghan to perform a stunning solo version of the classic ‘Somewhere Over The Rainbow’ on keys. Although often covered, there was something very special, intimate and fresh about this version.
A very well deserved standing ovation followed, bringing to a close another fantastic night at the festival. I really hope that 2019 will prove to be the breakout year for these two very talented and classy UK singer-songwriters.