20 October 2024 (gig)
17 h
I’ve had the pleasure of seeing Martin Harley live about half a dozen times, almost always as a solo performer. For the launch of his new album ‘Morning Sun’, he assembled a band that included Rex Horan on bass, Paddy Milner on piano and Holly Rodgers on guitar and the experience was a real delight. Not so much as it made his solo appearances any less, rather, it very subtly added new dimensions around and behind Harley’s singing and playing.
The Half Moon was packed – mainly seated – and the audience was very appreciative of a set that was combined of some numbers from the new album and a number of songs that have defined him over the years.
Harley is a superb guitarist and excellent singer. Very laid back – the thought that came to mind was ‘an English Eric Bibb’ – and letting the words and music do the talking.
The songs from the new album sounded completely natural alongside his older material and opener ‘Morning Sun’, ‘Wolves’, ‘Lemonade’ all received very warm applause. The jaunty ‘Lemonade’ especially sounded fine, a perfect summer song and one that I personally adore.
The older material was similarly enjoyed by the crowd, and there really wasn’t a dip in the quality or the attention from the audience.
They also enjoyed his stories that came before almost every song, he is a natural raconteur, and the stories are a big part of his appeal.
He switched guitars after almost every track and his choices for the evening were a Resonator, Cooder, Lap Steel, Weissenborn. He also uses a Lap Steel tuned expressly to Hawaiian tuning for ‘Cowboys In Hawaii’.
I don’t think you can tire of hearing a performer such as Martin Harley. His variety and sheer quality keep audiences coming back time and again.
A magical night.
