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The Bronte Music Club is proudly sponsored by Banbridge District Council in conjunction with Frontier Promotions KRIS DELMHORST BRONTË MUSIC CLUB RATHFRILAND, CO. DOWN APRIL 13 Kris Delmhorst has to be one of Americana or, if you prefer, roots music’s best kept secrets. Although a classically trained cellist, she is a relative newcomer to guitar and fiddle, having taught herself both while temporarily located in Maine recovering from a damaged ankle during a particularly long winter, even for New England. On this, her first, but hopefully not her last, visit to the Brontë, this Brooklyn-raised and Massachusetts based, singer/songwriter gave a performance which will remain for some time in the memory of those lucky enough to have been there – until the next time anyway. Without the bonus of a support artist to warm up the crowd, she was subjected to the full focus of those gathered and boy did she deliver! The evening was sprinkled with a liberal selection from her previous works as well as her latest album, the cerebral STRANGE CONVERSATION. This could be described as a concept album, comprising lyrics either adapted from the poetic contributions of Browning, Masefield and Herrick among others, or inspired by the epic works of Virgil of ancient Rome as well as, almost modern in comparison, the great 13th century Persian lyric poet, Rumi (whose followers were known as ‘whirling dervishes’ expressing their worship in music and dance). The evening began with an unaccompanied number, followed by the Browning inspired toast to the celebrated Venetian composer, Baldassarre Galuppi. Browning himself would have been proud to have been associated with this bright little number, given the obvious thought which had been devoted to the construction of the lyrics. So the tone for the evening was set. Further offerings, Broken White Line, Hummingbird and the bluesy Everything is Music, as well as the title track from the very fine album, REDBIRD, a collaboration with husband, Jeffrey Foucault and the equally talented Peter Mulvey – catch either on one of their solo tours and I promise you won’t be disappointed – were warmly received by a very appreciative crowd revelling in an exhibition on stage from a performer whose fan base deserves to be much wider. With a sound sometime reminiscent of Gretchen Peters or Lucy Kaplansky, even a slight Norah Jones influence, but at all times very definitely Kris Delmhorst, you can appreciate what an exceptionally fine talent she is. Although slightly disappointed that her beautiful interpretation of poet and diplomat, James Weldon Johnston’s Since You Went Away didn’t feature on this set list, it provides an excuse to request it on her next visit. On stage just a touch shy of two hours, and only a short break for a soothing glass of red wine – well it is a very cultured club here! – Kris closed out the evening with a great version of Richard Thompson’s, How Will I Ever Be Simple Again? followed by the thought provoking gospel song Ain’t No Grave (Gonna Hold My Body Down). As Kris said in her introduction to the final song, “I’m not sure how I feel about Jesus, but His music’s great.” I couldn’t have put it better myself. Thanks again to Banbridge District Council for sponsoring the gig. Cathal McLaughlin