Live at The Studio, Hartlepool 20/7/01 - review by Keep it Live
It's amazing what little luxuries you get sent at times. It's even more astounding what you get when you make the effort and get out and see them live.
A few months ago we received a cassette from a local singer/songwriter Brian McCarthy, the album 'Elements' is, as I said "crisp, vivid and memorable". This was nothing compared to his live performance supporting The Rye at The Studio in Hartlepool on Friday 20th July.
Brian has no massive live experience, he plays and records for his own personal satisfaction, with a view to gain a little recognition and for people's listening pleasure, which it certainly is. Armed with acoustic guitar and his resolve to succeed, he embarked on what was probably the biggest night of his playing career. The large ensemble warmed instantly to his melodic and persuasive tunes as he plied his wares. The more he played, the more we listened, the crowd grew as his set went on, and still they listened, and applauded at the dying note of every track. The most remarkable incident took place during Brian's fourth number, and his flagship, as far as I am concerned, 'Blue Rain'. This is a sweet and heartfelt tune, the immense passion within 'Blue Rain' is infectious and you can't help but feel the whole song wrap you up and soothe your essence. With lyrics such as "From the thoughts of hope that are drowning me...you say it's love but how can it be...when I still feel the rain"
During the tune, there was that slight hum of talk, and someone at the back ssshhhheeeddd!!!! at the perpritators, and the whole venue fell silent, the only sound was Brian McCarthy and his guitar, languishing effervescent and sublime tunes over us. It was quite a unique moment and nothing I have ever heard of happening before, I have certainly never witnessed such an effect of one man his guitar before, even for a main act.
Brian surpassed my wildest expectations, and he conducted his set with the style of a true professional and an old hand, which he just isn't!!!!! Numbers from the album 'Elements' shone through, 'Hold On', 'Elements', 'Remembrance Day' and some new numbers that he wrote 'last week', one of which, 'Hey You' is a brimer. I can only summise that Brian has wide and varied tastes, but certainly there are elements of Chris Isaak and Bob Dylan.
Brian has not gone out of his way to profile himself, but quotes from The Guild of International Songwriters & Composers earlier this year - "Hold On - Excellent song and performance. Excellent talent here". "Fire - Possible hit material" only quantify all I am saying here, and a really nice guy.
I wouldn't go as far to say 'David Gray
watch your back', but I would say Brian has a real talent for
inspirational melodious, catchy and memorable tunes, and with
a few more lives shows and honing, in a real world he will excel.
You've not heard the last of Brian McCarthy. To be continued...
