Folk dynasty
For an encore, they sang totally unplugged, right by our table. It reminded me of a Texas restaurant I once visited with my old mate Rich Hubbard, where musicians played for you as you ate.
Sarah Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion certainly know how to dish up power and intimacy at their gigs. And they serve it with helpings of fun and faith.
DEEPER POWER
Yes, note that surname. Sarah is the great-granddaughter of Woody Guthrie, patriarch of contemporary American folk music. So there’s a lot to live up to, which sounds a bit unfair. My personal view was that even if she sounded like a flatulent womble, I would still want to be in her presence.
I needn’t have worried, though. Sarah is gorgeous, a slip of a girl with a fragile voice that can suddenly call on a deeper power and belt it out. Her compositions are subtle and sweet, such as the prayerful Seven Sisters.
And her bloke, well, he’s also something else. Johnny Irion has the talent and prowess of a fledgling Neil Young. His guitar supplies much of the noise. And his songwriting skill is strong. He paints snapshots of American life, like a 50s ‘B’ movie. Speed Of Light had a Motown-style beat. Kindness was bright melancholy.
VINYL RECORDS
This attractive couple brought their gifts – and more – to the Chichester Inn, a local tavern swilling in traditional ales. They were generous, too, in describing the place as ‘quaint and beautiful’.
During a break in the programme, Sarah and Johnny and their brilliant band members mixed with the crowd, supping beer and talking about vinyl records. Some of us gave them tips about travelling to their next gig in Newcastle. All in all, a cool night out with the missus. (Photo: Clive Price)
