The Old Cock Inn, Droitwich - 14.07.2011
It's been an extra-extended Droitwich Arts and Music Festival this year (incorporating also a Water Festival for the Canal opening) - so a treat to catch one of this closing events of this year's bash at the picturesque Old Cock Inn off the black-and-white High Street. This was the Droitwich Divas evening featuring a classy selection of some of the sassiest lassies playing the North Worcestershire circuit.
I somehow contrived to twice miss Kiki O'Connell a week or so ago when she guested with Mike Mann at the Water Festival and again the following day on the opening day proper - but boy what a treat to catch this girl's incredibly gutsy vocals on her own numbers like Under The Influence and Rewind.
Haven't seen Kidderminster's Natalie West since she was once of the last weekly sessioners at our Hereford studios towards the end of last year - supported tonight by guitarist Rajid - Natalie's influences range from Ennio Morricone to Goldfrapp - and this was a set of completely original numbers -and I always like it when artists introduce numbers with what influenced them to write them - Winter for example was a direct result of last year's horrible weather but Sooner Or Later was inspired by a trip to Africa - always good to hear a little 'this song's about' banter.
Well I've heard about her for a little while now and finally caught a very shortened set at the Minifest a couple of weeks ago - but I have simply have to say that in the incredible Laura Cowley we have another superstar living among us. Never come across an artist who says 'don't buy my album - you'll hate it' - well it's possibly true, as Laura freely admits that her songs are driven by feelings of hate, anger and bitterness - but I'm afraid that I can't agree with her, as she produces stunning self-penned numbers like Falling Into Pieces and Wasting My Love - and I haven't heard the line 'I will make your life a living hell' in a song before. Now if that sounds a little bit scary, don't worry - Laura does have a slightly warped sense of humour - but is also an amazing performer of the highest order - so catch her while you can folks.
Andy O'Hare
