Patsy Matheson
Live at Korks (Otley) on Friday, 24th February 2012
I don't know if it is possible to have two doyennes, but if it is, Patsy and Becky would fall into such a category. As pop fans will know they were once 50% of acoustic supergroup Waking the Witch and have subsequently toured extensively as solo artistes.
Here at Otley's premier night spot they were in excellent form, having honed their craft over the previous few weeks touring the length, and indeed breadth of the country.
I arrived too late to see anything but the dying chords of the final number by support act, Tuckoo, although I am assured that they did an excellent job and are worth catching if they play a venue near you. Tenor player Annie Raynor provided a guest solo on one of Patsy and Becky's encores with much aplomb.
The evening was split evenly between material from Patsy's newly released and critically acclaimed album " Stories of Angels and Guitars", and Becky's yet to be released "Dandelion" which is apparently in danger of being renamed "Imminent" as its release has been promised for some time now.
Both these performers have beautifully complementary singing voices and are proficient players, in fact it must be 35 years since I encountered anyone using an "E-bow". Their experience as performers is evident in the seemingly effortless manner in which they create an intimate and friendly atmosphere, not for them the laboured bonhomie of many folk artistes, just genuine warmth.
For the majority of the gig they were accompanied by bass player Jon Short and percussionist Finn McArdle, who certainly added to the dynamic with some beautifully unfussy and understated playing.
For me, favourites were "Hundred Guitars" and a skilful reworking of Dylan's "One more cup of coffee", but it was all good really.
Worth catching up with if you can.