Beth Nielsen Chapman is, to my shame as I soon discovered, new to me. She has visited The Fire Station before and I somehow missed her. As soon as I entered the bar, I ran into an old friend who I had not seen for years. He told me that he was a huge fan and had been to see Beth in Manchester.
“How did you get into her?” I enquired. “I listen to Bob Harris on the radio, and he often plays her music” he explained. I had not met my friend since before my accident and he was quite surprised to see me in a wheelchair. We were soon chatting about old times and our mutual admiration of Alex Harvey, which just shows you how long we have been friends! After a quick Guinness it was time to go into the auditorium which was full.
Having read all her accomplishments and accolades I am not surprised how popular she is to those “in the know”. The Fire Station website proclaims her return to the venue thus: “Beth Nielsen Chapman is an artist with many accolades to her name: mega-hit ‘This Kiss’, sung by Faith Hill, was ASCAP’s 1999 Song of The Year, garnered a Grammy nomination and Nashville NAMMY’s 1999 Songwriter of the Year. Beth was inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame; one she considers to be the highest honour she’s ever received. In 2019 Beth was invited to become an Ambassador for the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation.”
“Beth’s collaboration with her friend the late, great Olivia Newton John was included on Olivia – Just The Two of Us – a special collection released to celebrate Olivia’s career. Their song ‘Stone In My Pocket’, which originally appeared on 2016’s ‘Liv On’ – Olivia’s album with Beth and Amy Sky – is part of 17-track album celebrating Olivia’s duets. Other artists featured include Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Barry Gibb, John Travolta, Sir Cliff Richard and more. Her most recent album CrazyTown, charted at Number One on the Official UK Country Chart. Following the album’s release, Beth embarked on a 22-date tour of the UK including to Sunderland.”
Beth was accompanied by Ruth Trimble, who also had been the opening act, on keyboards and another lady on bass and drums. Beth stood centre stage singing songs and accompanying herself on guitar and grand piano. Her songs, all of which were new to me, had a country feel to them. But her repertoire was much broader than that and difficult to categorise. I saw glimpses of Joni Mitchell and Carole King circa Tapestry in her performance. One of the songs “Carrickfergus” was preceded by “My Lagan love” and was sung a cappella. Another “Kiss” had become a big hit for Faith Hill.
Musicians who have performed with Chapman on her albums include: Amy Grant; Bonnie Raitt; Emmylou Harris; John Prine; Michael McDonald; Paul Carrack; Pat Benatar; and Sheryl Crow. Chapman’s songwriting collaborators include Judie Tzuke. This demonstrates the calibre of the lady and some of her influences. She certainly does cross and blend genres.
The introduction of The Fire Station into Sunderland has opened up many new possibilities for me. It allows me to see unfamiliar artists for the first time, artists who I probably would not travel to see. This tempts me to experiment with new genres of music and draws me in to new sounds and performers, many of whom are very pleasant surprises. Beth Nielsen Chapman certainly falls into that category. I purchased an album which Beth and Ruth kindly signed for me (see image). I would certainly go and see her again.
Many thanks to Chris for coming along with me to the concert, taking the photos and navigating the site.
Setlist: (Something like) The Color of Roses; All Around the World; Put a Woman in Charge; 4LeafClover; Sand and Water; All I Have; Walk My Way; All Comes Down to Love; My Lagan Love / Carrickfergus; Epitaph for Love; Cool Kind of Love; How We Love; The Edge; This Kiss; Everywhere We Go; Walk You to Heaven
Another exciting concert at the local venue, 
In this special performance, modern-day icons 
Drawing from a songbook full of classics like ‘Walkin’ After Midnight’ and ‘Crazy’, you’ll hear the crème de la crème of country pop from some of the finest performers around. With songs spanning romance, heartbreak and drama – with a good dollop of joy – this is set to be a real sonic and visual feast. Cowboy boots optional.” (Drat I forgot to wear my cowboy boots: and I have a pair in the cupboard!)
This was an eclectic mix of artists and music. I am a big fan of Richard Hawley having seen him perform at the same venue a few months ago. I have heard of John Grant but I can’t claim to know much about the man or his music. And of course, I am very aware of the legacy of the legendary Patsy Cline and her country songs, many of which are tinged with sadness.
The venue was full as is often the case these days, and John Grant took centre stage with Richard Hawley and his band providing the music. Richard played some tremendous twangy, rock ‘n’ roll guitar; reminding me a little of Dick Dale and his surf guitar.
John Grant is a truly entertaining front man and did justice to Patsy Cline’s wonderful repertoire. I recognised many of the songs including the well-known “Crazy” which John reminded us was written by Willie Nelson. I had somehow forgotten that fact, but it jogged my memory of witnessing the great Willie perform the song. He also did a heartrending version of Hank Williams’ “Your Cheating Heart”. I also recognised quite a few of the songs, in particular “Blue Moon of Kentucky” and “I Fall to Pieces”. Richard was very much the consummate side kick, effortlessly providing superb guitar accompaniment to the songs. A lovely evening with two true artists in a venue which is rapidly becoming extremely popular.
Setlist: (something like this): These Crazy Arms; Never No More; Walking After Midnight; There He Goes; Just Out Of Reach; Loose Talk; I Fall to Pieces; Yes, I Understand; Heartaches; Strange; Sweet Dreams (Of You); You’re Stronger Than Me; So Wrong; Your Cheatin’ Heart; Leavin’ On Your Mind; Crazy; Seven Lonely Days; Blue Moon Of Kentucky.
Steve Earle
The Playhouse website describes Steve’s background much better than I am able: ” Steve Earle is one of the most acclaimed singer-songwriters of his generation. A protege of legendary songwriters Townes Van Zandt and Guy Clark, he quickly became a master storyteller in his own right, with his songs being recorded by Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Joan Baez, Emmylou Harris, The Pretenders, and countless others. 1986 saw the release of his record, Guitar Town, which shot to number one on the country charts and is now regarded as a classic of the Americana genre.”
Steve came on stage exactly as advertised at 8:30 PM. I was told he would be finished by 10 PM. His set was a mixture of songs from throughout his career. Each song was delivered in his unique raucous blues style. At one point in the proceedings, he explained: “Townes Van Zandt once told me there are two kinds of music: the blues and Zipadee–Doo–Dah” and that was pretty much the logic behind Steve’s delivery. Each song came from deep within his heart and soul. This guy is the real thing and pulls no punches. He isn’t afraid to admit that he is a recovered/recovering heroin addict. At one point he sadly told us of the recent passing of his son as a result of drugs. Whiskey and hard drugs are part of Steve’s life; or at least they have been in the past.
His songs tell the stories of this guy’s life through his hard drinking and drug using days. He did a great rendition of “Mr Bojangles”; I had forgotten that this had been written by country star Jerry Jeff Walker, rather I associated the song with Sammy Davis Junior. Steve closed with his signature song “Copperhead Road”.
Setlist (something like): If I Should Fall From Grace With God; The Devil’s Right Hand; My Old Friend The Blues; Someday; Guitar Town; I Ain’t Ever Satisfied; Taneytown; Now She’s Gone; Goodbye; Sparkle and Shine; You’re the Best Lover That I Ever Had; South Nashville Blues; CCKMP; Transcendental Blues; Angel Is the Devil; It’s About Blood; Mr. Bojangles; Harlem River Blues; Tell Moses; Galway Girl; Copperhead Road.
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