Carried Away with Caitlin
I’m not sure I’ve ever laughed so much at a music gig. Caitlin Rose self-deprecatingly protested that half her act was comedy and it was almost true. Almost except the most compelling voice in alt-country back on stage for the first time in seven years, to the delight of a sell-out crowd at Bristol’s The Fleece.
Caitlin and band were clearly enjoying themselves too, playing songs from her wonderful new album, Cazimi, – her first in nine years. It’s such a strong return that we were seven songs in, with the entire audience rediscovering their love for Rose, before she played a song from one of the albums that made her an alternative scene hit a decade ago (‘Pink Champagne’ from 2013’s ‘The Stand In’). There’s a lump in my throat writing this now when I remember the first time I heard ‘For the Rabbits’ on Marc Riley’s Radio 6 Music show in 2010 (Rose returned to the show tonight; poignantly so, given that Riley is about to lose his evening slot on 6 Music).
Not that we needed an excuse to sing-along before that, with ‘Gettin’ It Right’, her gorgeous duet with Courtney Marie Andrews from the new album, getting considerable audience participation: “I talk too much, or not enough / Everything tender always comes out rough / Someday I’ll find the answer somehow / But I’m just workin’ on gettin’ it right”.
But in between: jokes and banter. Dave in the front row had to surrender his Atlanta Braves baseball cap early on. Pausing before donning the chapeau Rose asked, “You haven’t got lice or anything have you?”. “No” said Dave. “Not on his head anyway” batted back Dave’s girlfriend. Queue singer and audience hysterics.
Later we were treated to bawdy limerick and Caitlin’s party trick – one of many I imagine – which involved blowing out her cheeks like a hamster after a night foraging, mouth pursed shut, and attempting some ventriloquism. And lots, and lots of laughter.
Most of all, though, there was gorgeous, all consuming country magic. ‘Only Lies’ was a highlight from the new album, but the show-stealers were a shyly introduced ‘Own Side’, the sublime ‘Shanghai Cigarettes’, and for a final encore, an acoustic version of ‘Sinful Wishing Well’, which Ms Markontour particularly appreciated. A joyful night out. Welcome back Caitlin Rose!
markontour 
One Response to “Carried Away with Caitlin”
Great to appreciate music and so much laughter.
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