Little Big Town

There is only one way to describe a Little Big Town show: home—that remarkable feeling of something familiar, something deep in your bones. A little bit Eagles, a little bit Fleetwood Mac, and a dash of southern charm, LBT has a sound and a presence unlike any other in music today.

With Karen’s piercing voice at the helm of their “Pontoon” (pun intended), the band is mesmerizing on stage without having to resort to gimmicky sets or flashing lights. Give them a few microphones, a couple guitars, and a little steel for flavoring and you won’t miss the distraction of an overproduced spectacle. Given the 70s rock comparisons implied in their music, you might not be surprised to hear them rock some “Heartache Tonight,” but you might be unexpectedly dazzled to hear them breakdown a bluegrass version of Lady Gaga’s “Born This Way.”

In fact, it wouldn’t hurt to check out the band’s “Scattered, Smothered, and Covered” series on their YouTube channel to study up. Their impressive harmonies transcend genre so effortlessly you’ll find yourself wondering if they weren’t really the ones who originally recorded “Rolling In the Deep.” I mean, Adele, who? But what might be more impressive than their musicianship is that they seem to not only enjoy their jobs, but each other.

Whether it’s the loving flirtation of married couple Jimmy and Karen looking at each other like Garth and Trisha on stage or the comfortable affection of four people who genuinely enjoy sharing a stage, you’ll feel like LBT just decide to play a few tunes in their own house and invited you along for the ride.

I knew going in I loved her but Lori & her crew put on the best show I’ve seen in years. Her sweetness & candor made for an intimate night in a phenomenal venue.

Tuesday 15th March. Bush Hall. Ashley Monroe. I was really looking forward to this gig as Ashley Monroe’s album from last year ‘The Blade’ was not only the best female country album of the year but one of the best of any genre.

Tonight was Monroe’s first headline gig in England and so a packed Bush Hall waited with real anticipation. What followed over the next seventy minutes or so was such an outpouring of love from an audience that I don’t think I have witnessed through over 600 gigs.

From the first song to the last each track ended with at least a thirty second applause and whooping and hollering from the knowledgeable crowd that were singing back throughout the night.

Monroe backed by guitarist and double bass ran though most of the new album, a couple from the first and a cover or two. Her slight frame belies the depth and range of her voice and she captivated us all through the night.

The main set is over in a blink and she’s back but joined this time with best friend and new country royalty in the shape of Miranda Lambert who these days is more used to playing arenas back over the pond. Both were in a band called Pistol Annies along with the also excellent Angaleena Pressley who I saw last year too.

Their beautiful harmonies complement each other perfectly. There’s time for a second encore as Ashley steps up on the creaky stage on her own with a stunning version of ‘Hickory Wind’.

Britain clearly loves Ashley and after tonight I think she loves us right back.