Imogen Marshall reviews the first ‘Introducing Nashville’ show at Cadogan Hall, featuring performances from Walker Hayes, Rachel Wammack, Travis Denning and Danielle Bradbery.
Listen to our special 91st episode of the podcast, for chats with Walker, Travis and Danielle.
The premise of the ‘Introducing Nashville’ show is not a new one, the songwriter round format has been exported from Nashville to the UK for some years now, with Bluebird Cafe rounds, the CMA Songwriters series and more locally at events like The Roundup. New life was breathed, however, into the format at Cadogan Hall last week in this round that felt far more intimate than such a sizeable venue should have allowed. The tour was the final stop on a eight day long round for the foursome around the UK and Europe, where doubtless they have been winning over fans every night.
Rachel Wammack kicked off the round with her almost painfully vulnerable powerhouse ballad ‘Closure.’ Joking that she had lucked out throughout the tour with the gift of gorgeous grand pianos at her disposal every night, she made the stage her own and proved just why there has been such a buzz surrounding her name in recent months – owing in part to being named one of Bobby Bones’ Class of 2019, alongside Abby Anderson, Lauren Jenkins, Caylee Hammack and Tenille Townes. Though the only artist to have not played in the UK before, Wammack charmed the audience from the off, with her stunning vocal. There are not many people who can match Bradbery’s vocal, but Wammack did just that, exhibiting a phenomenal performance that make me desperate to see her back in the UK again for a full set. If you’re not familiar with her music, the emotionally raw ‘Damage’ and ‘Something People Say,’ will easily convert you to her cause.
Set List: Closure, Hometown Spirit, Damage, What He Does, Something People Say
In every round, there needs to be one artist who brings the humour – particularly after the kind of emotion that artists like Wammack are able to induce – Travis Denning filled that slot. In his five songs, he managed to describe more aspects to drinking than I thought were possible. With an easy charisma and confidence, he easily engaged with the audience and his fellow performers, glueing the round together. However, Denning should not be dismissed as a drinking clown, for his songs are both clever and perceptive in equal measure. His set showed the diversity of his personality as much as his music, from ‘I’m Gonna Love You’ – inspired by seeing the Dixie Chicks twice in three days – to ‘David Ashley Parker’ – inspired by his experiences with fake IDs – he showed the breadth of his songwriting and performance, making me eager to see a full-length record from Denning soon. If his performance of ‘Abby’ is anything to go by, that track in particular is set to become a standout from the album, as a fingers up to his ex (Any-Body-But-You).
Set List: I Know Where It’s Going, David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs, Abby, I’m Gonna Love You, After a Few
Next up to make his songwriting mark on Cadogan Hall, Walker Hayes stepped up to the plate. Having been added later to the line-up after Chris Lane pulled out, there was an initial disappointment from the UK country music audience at the replacement, however Hayes managed to blow any memory of that emotion out of the water. A quieter charm than Denning, Hayes possesses an easy charisma on stage that makes any venue feel intimate and allows an audience to hang on his every word. Even during our time with Hayes, it is clear that he is one of the most humble and grounded performers in country music, and his gratitude to be where he is now is palpable in every performance. This kind of songwriters round format highlighted perfectly the heart of Hayes’ lyricism, exhibiting his humour with track ‘Your Girlfriend Does’ in response to his haters. Joined by Wammack (taking Nicole Gallyon’s place) on Halloween was a perfect touch and sounded astonishingly good acoustically. Performing the lesser-known track ‘Lela’s Stars’ was also an astute choice from an artist who is finally and deservedly earning his place in the scene and a growing following in the UK. All we ask is Walker, return again and again.
Set List: Don’t Let Her, You Broke Up With Me, Your Girlfriend Does, Halloween, Lela’s Stars
Making her fifth return across the pond, it is easy not to be star-struck by the addition of Bradbery to a line-up in the UK, however that always stops the minute she opens her mouth. Possessing one of the most incredible controls of any vocal in country music, these acoustic set-ups allow you to become deeply acquainted with the rich textures and facets of the voice that has become something legendary. ‘Potential’ and ‘Worth It’ were, no doubt, the strongest songs of her set, exhibiting an emotional vulnerability while never letting her vocal falter for a second. She has a voice that will never not amaze both in its range and emotional depth. While not demonstrating the same power of her vocal, songs like ‘Sway’ and ‘Never Have I Ever’ managed to add a bit of edge to Bradbery that make her more human and relatable.
Set list: Sway, Never Have I Ever, Potential, What Are We Doing, Worth It
This kind of writers round is always a special evening and acts as a reminder to ardent country fans of just why they fell in love with the genre. It is rare to find such a consistent strong and varied line-up share the stage together, where each artist was so unique yet seamlessly fit together to fill the evening. All the artists established an admirably easy rapport with the audience and it was clear that just as the audience appreciated them, so they too showed an appreciation back to the careful listenership of the UK country fan-base.
