Pickin’ & Grinnin’ - Eleanor McEvoy
Pickin’ & Grinnin’
Eleanor McEvoy
Kirkstyle Inn, Glenmavis, May 24
It was my first time at the Kirkstyle Inn and first opportunity to experience Eleanor McEvoy live. On both counts I was impressed. The evening got off to a promising start with the support act provided by Glasgow-born lass, Maeve O’Boyle, who treated us to selection of tracks from her soon to be released debut album. Her distinctive vocals are likely to stand her in good stead as her career develops. Then to the highlight of the evening, enter stage left Eleanor McEvoy; bass guitar in hand, immediately launching into Little Look from her latest album OUT THERE. For the next two hours we were treated to a musical and vocal feast, each song telling its own vivid and emotional story. Throughout the evening, Eleanor engaged with the audience—her humorous and witty interludes adding to the relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. There were many highlights, however personal favourites were the blues number The Way You Wear Your Troubles, Suffer So Well and her haunting rendition of Marvin Gaye’s Mercy Mercy Me. Her smooth tone of voice has echoes of Suzanne Vega with an Irish twist. And even her most melancholy numbers will put a smile on your face. She played a number of tracks from earlier albums—most notably the up-tempo Days Roll By from the EARLY HOURS album released in 2004 and the lyrical Only A Woman’s Heart from ELEANOR McEVOY. All in all it was memorable evening in the intimate and friendly atmosphere of the Kirkstyle Inn. Eleanor is a genuine talent, combining her distinctive and mellow vocals with an impressive array of instruments ranging from the bass guitar to the mandolin. Few artists have such musical versatility. So if you get a chance, go along and see her, you will not be disappointed. Neil Ross