It is not often that I get sent a live album, so I rarely feature one. But no rules without exception, and in this case it is hardly a problem. What we have here is the third album from Irish singer / guitarist Grainne Duffy, recorded while on tour in Germany with her three-piece band. No folk here, what is served is American roots rock based on blues, rock, soul and country, and a voice that sits somewhere between Bonnie Raitt, Beth Hart and Melissa Etheridge.
This may be the first live album after 2 studio albums, Grainne surely sounds confident and authentic. Especially when she adds a little roughness to her delivery she impresses me. Also the shuffling in tracks like Drivin’ Me Crazy is hard to resist. More testament of the talent of the lady is the fact that only 1 out of 15 tracks is a cover. And that one, I’d Rather Go Blind, she makes her own as well.
Not a style I listen to on a regular base, but this is one I enjoy, enough variation, tight playing and rock solid songs. So catch her on tour, she seems to keep busy. And if it is true that the Irish have music in their veins, we can be assured this will not be the last we hear of her. Congrats!
