Live at the Tivoli

It was late on Sunday night and arguably not the best time for a USA singer/songwriter to promote her excellent debut album to Americana fans in north Wales, albeit at the region’s best live venue. This was Nell Bryden’s farewell UK concert and the small audience were to be treated to a peformance which put her two acoustic support acts in the deep, dark shade. But then Bryden’s been writing and performing for some time now and that was very evident on the night.

The Tiv looked perfect, with the red background lighting and candle-topped tables creating the perfect environment. Bryden, with her backing drummer and bassist, couldn’t have looked more confident as they mounted the stage and launched into the fabulous ‘Tonight’. Bryden’s voice is powerful and expressive, while her guitar playing is more than competent and her bedside manner easy and friendly. In short, she’s a natural blessed with the ability to write songs that are radio-friendly, meaningful, emotive and packed to the gunnels with melody.

Many of Bryden’s songs are a mix of blues and country, and so strong are they that it was almost impossible to pick a single favourite from the show. ‘Tonight’, ‘Green Dress’, ‘What Does It Take’, ‘Helen’s Requiem’ and latest single ‘Goodbye’ were ultimately my pick, but I could so easily add a couple more from this glorious performance.

Set-List

Tonight, What Does It Take, Green Dress, Meridian, Late Night Call, Goodbye, Lost In His Eyes, Pavement, Helen’s Requiem, Devil, Soundtrack, Second Time Around. Encore: Hellhound, Not Like Loving You.