LIVE REVIEW & GALLERY: Kirsten Adamson @ Cafe#9, Sheffield
Tonight was a completely different kind of gig for me, the smallest (40 capacity) venue I've been to and the first to be fully seated around tables in a proper cabaret style.
The venue was stunning, a coffee shop by day and the most charming music room by night. Adorned with fabulous instruments, plants, a fish tank, and various other curiosities. It's a genuinely special place, and I urge you to visit if you ever find yourself in Sheffield. It's warm, cosy, and filled with a homely, friendly atmosphere. There was something wonderful about seeing people drink cups of tea at a gig rather than getting drunk on beers, and the brownies I had during the interval were delicious.
The magnificent venue was the perfect setting for the equally magnificent night of music ahead. For those who don't know, Kirsten Adamson is the daughter of the late Big Country, Raphaels and Skids frontman Stuart Adamson, and the daughter of Highland dance champion, Alexandra. Having grown up in a home always filled with music, it was a natural path to follow in her father's footsteps. Incorporating the Americana influence gained from spending her summers as a child with her dad in Nashville, alongside wonderful folk storytelling, her music is a journey through life's highs and lows. Tales of sadness, success, and simply reminiscing on memories.
The set, which was split into two halves, largely focused on her latest release, "Landing Place" record, a record that saw her shift from the more showtune nature of her 2015 self-titled debut and produce a sound more true to her roots. It also incorporated new, unrecorded songs, as well as a couple of songs penned for her other band, The Marriage.
Her sound was deeply immersive and moving, her unique voice wonderfully pure with the most charming tone. It didn't feel like an artist singing to a crowd of fans; it felt like a friend sharing their music with you. The simple acoustic guitar, backed with Jon MacKenzie's gently swirling electric guitar, created a beautiful, tranquil yet venue-filling sound. Incorporating the venue's instruments such as the piano and double bass added a playful twist to the set. The on-stage dynamic of Kirsten and Jon is wonderful, further adding to the warmth of the whole evening.
The tracks lifted from "Landing Place," such as 'Stars of the South Coast,' a charming tale of a young couple and their joys and struggles, and the glorious 'Up and Down,' worked perfectly acoustically. Each of the new songs sounded like an established hit already. Every song was introduced with a story of how it had come to be or who it had been written with. Kirsten is a very engaging performer, always keen to share tales with the crowd or encourage singing, making her show feel inclusive and wonderfully joyful.
Prior to her tribute to her late father, 'My Father's Songs,' she explained how, before lockdown, she'd always shied away from covering her dad's music. Following much encouragement from fans, she decided to give it a try, creating her own arrangements of his songs. She told how this has strengthened the bond and connection, giving new life to his words. Looking notably moved, she launched into the song, which was delivered stunningly with tear-jerking compassion and tenderness.
She then performed her cover of 'In a Big Country,' totally changing the original, turning it into the most enchanting Americana ballad, brimming with emotion. The added crowd participation, a crowd who likely mostly discovered Kirsten's music through their love of her father, added a delightful buzz to the venue.
This is my gig of the year so far, so different from my usual type of show but so rich and absorbing. A moving experience that will stay with me always. What made it even more special was Kirsten herself and how accessible she was, happily chatting to fans in a fashion that was like she'd known them all her life. Having interviewed her a few months ago, I wondered if maybe she'd recognise me. Not only did she recognise me, but she beamed at how nice it was to see me, thanked me for travelling all the way from Norfolk to Sheffield, and gave me the biggest hug like long-lost friends. This lady is special, not only incredibly talented with one of the purest, most exquisite voices youāll hear but one of the nicest, most welcoming people you'll find in the music industry.
I cannot speak highly enough about this show, the music, the venue, the people. It was a perfect evening surrounded by warmth and love. If you ever get a chance to see Kirsten Adamson live, don't hesitate. I promise you'll leave with a benevolent glow and a memory you'll cherish.
