06 October 2014 (gig)
17 October 2014
Hailing from Co. Monaghan in Ireland, Gráinne Duffy is one of those rare talents that, once you’ve heard and saw them perform, is impossible to forget! With her sultry lips, long red mane, high cheekbones and above all, her husky and blues-infused voice, Gráinne cuts a figure full of confidence and the right dose of swagger. Add to that her energetic play on her Gibson Les Paul, and you’ll begin to understand what all the fuss is about.
Backed with her band of equally raw-talented musicians (Paul Sherry on guitar, Davy Watson on bass, and Gerry Morgan on drums), the raunchy sounding Celt delivered a high- octane performance at the Edinburgh Blues Club, packing in an array of songs that turned out to be a mix of heartfelt passion (without dripping saccharine), bad-ass cool blues-rock (without having her voice drowned by thumping riffs and beats), and organic R&B beats. Gráinne cites the likes of The Rolling Stones, Rory Gallagher, The Pretenders, Aretha Franklin, Bonnie Raitt and Carole King’s album ‘Tapestry’ as musical influences, resulting in her own unique style that blends a soulful voice with accomplished finger-picking techniques.
Equally, her dress sense seems to match her range and depth of musical emotions – her purple and elegantly sensual lace dress oozes femininity and vulnerability, while the contrasting leather boots add attitude.
Despite this being a Monday night, the venue is packed with people – clearly, Gráinne Duffy and Co. have a devoted fan base here in Edinburgh!
Kicking off with ‘Each and Every Time’, the band ooze sonic harmony, and after the first catchy riffs the audience seems immediately hooked on the musicians’ playfulness and at ease with one another.
‘Let Me In’ and ‘What Am I Supposed To Do?’ follow, the latter being a particular fiery affair with lots of heavy riffs and a catching chorus – nonetheless Gráinne’s strong voice holds up to all the instruments left, right and behind her and the lyrics aren’t drowned out even once!
There’s a strong country-rock feel running through ‘Driving Me Crazy’, while its punchy beat still spills out good ole blues flavour. Gráinne in turns works her guitar and claps her hands, inviting the crowd to follow suit (which they do). The seething rhythm of ‘I Don’t Know Why’ with its strong 60’s Joplin-esque retro vibe turns out to be a particular favourite of mine, the arrangement allowing for ample solos on guitars, while Davy Watson’s bass anchors the backbeat.
It’s a sad and well-known fact of life that ‘Good Love Had To Die’, and here the mood shifts accordingly from rocking to mellowed-out bluesy laments. Some punctuated riffs cut through the song like thorns cut into a broken heart… a number that manages to evoke a hundred feelings thanks to a knowing voice that delivers as if she’s felt that pain before… and before…
We get another barnstormer with ‘Falling For You’ and it’s nice to hear that our sassy colleen doesn’t give up in matters of the heart. With its thriving swamp-beat and crunchy interplay between Gráinne and bassist Davy Watson (a guy who has rock ‘n’ roll etched in his face!) the song turns out to be a particular crowd-pleaser.
Making it clear that she and her band are having a good time in Edinburgh and an even better time playing the Voodoo Rooms, Gráinne proceeds to introduce her fellow musicians by name – jokingly referring to them as “my three rock ‘n’ roll husbands”.
After belting the hell out during ‘Time’s Not Enough’, a cool country honker titled ‘Rockin Rollin Stone’ has punters sing along to the chorus. The amps are on the up and the temperature rises (if that’s still possible) when next song ‘Bad To Worse’ strums into rhythm. Screeching guitars a la Gallagher and Hendrix, and the leading lady’s dynamic vocals turn this into a scorching sizzler that demonstrates as to why this early arrangement is also a repertoire favourite!
Closer ‘Test Of Time’ is an apt song title for a band whose increasingly busy touring schedule also promises increasing airplay and popularity.
Classic Rock Magazine noted that “Test of Time has a chorus The Faces would have swapped their rider for and vocals that would make Spike from The Quireboys weep into his Guinness. Catchy, anthemic and destined to become a crowd favourite.” Well! Knowing Spike he wouldn’t weep into his Guinness upon hearing Gráinne sing, but wouldn’t object to a corking duet with her.
