Beth Neilsen-Chapman
Beth Neilsen-Chapman
Posted: 04 Mar 2010
Beth Neilsen-Chapman, The Journal New Tyne Theatre, Newcastle Sunday 28th February 2010
With as many ice creams and bottles of water sold as pints at the venue, this was never going to be a rowdy affair. And a reverential atmosphere in this church-like building (where the seats are as hard as old pews) made the scheduling of this gig on a Sunday evening more than appropriate.
That’s not to say that watching this Texas-born, Nashville-based singer-songwriter is a sombre affair, but while many younger artists lack personal experiences to draw from, Beth has a catalogue of life-changing events as her source material.
Be it “Sand and Water” (written following the loss of her husband to lymphomatic cancer), or “Happiness”, composed in the wake of a breast cancer diagnosis and subsequent chemotherapy, this is grown-up stuff.
And referring to a case of writer’s block, Beth touched on her successful treatment for a benign brain tumour, another episode that gives her inspirational status to some.
Tracks from her recent album release “Back To Love” formed the backbone of the set, performed alongside Marcus Hummon (keyboards, banjo, vocals & guitar) and Marc Alcock (bass, vocals and guitar). Beth herself alternated between guitar, bouzuki and keyboards, even indulging in some harmonica playing in the closing stages.
A rendition of her co-composition, “This Kiss” - a country crossover hit for Faith Hill – was prefaced by the wry comment, “this put my son through College”.
Taking requests from her audience in the encore, she then delivered stunning renditions of “Emily” and “Every December Sky” before departing for a well-attended meet and greet with fans.
Mike Bolam
Live tracks from this gig can be found on youtube as follows:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1F2HuU0elkI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=86d74echZfs
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