“Kathy
Chiavola is one of those people who, if talent were the only criterion
to success, would be right at the top of her profession. However,
it is not and explains why we are fortunate enough to be able to
see an incredibly talented person in small venues.
The
Heart of England Bluegrass Club is now in its third and best location.
The Kenilworth Sports and Social Club was full for this Good Friday
appearance by Kathy, the entire proceeds of which were given to
Kidney Cancer Research, the disease that tragically, claimed Chiavola's
former partner, Randy Howard.
Whilst
Kathy expected to perform solo, a bonus-and surprise-was the appearance
of Dave Luke on mandolin and vocals. He had played with Kathy a
couple of times before and turned up ready to perform with her again
after a few moments rehearsal. Dave's singing, in particular, provided
an excellent foil for Kathy throughout the evening.
The
audience - not all bluegrass fans, and including several who were
there as supporters of the charity- were captivated. Kathy Chiavola
is a quality singer, an excellent rhythm guitarist and a fine entertainer
with, usually a story for every song. Many of these concerned Randy
Howard. Kate Wolf's Across the Great Divide, superbly performed,
was a favourite of Randy's , with the line, "Well I heard the owl
calling," given a moving reference.
Similarly,
Randy's sense of fun was recalled in Last Words, while Kathy's emotional
performance of I will Carry On was, for my taste, better live than
on her current CD; From Where I Stand, where it was given a more
ethereal treatment.
Part
of the evening was given over to requests from Kathy's albums, and
she obliged with A Fool Such As I, a terrific version of Jimmy C.
Newman's Cry, Cry Darling and I Am a Pilgrim. However, as with
all artists who enjoy the thrill of the live show, she offered a
selection of unrecorded tunes as well. These included a spirited
Sitting On Top of the World, an excellent Sweet Dreams, and Kathy's
continuing quest in Peter Rowan promotion with a fine version of
Midnite Moonlight.
If
I had to pick a highlight, it would have to be Kathy's version of
Too Far Gone. Awesome. I would have said that the combination
of Emmylou Harris and James Burton, the version of this song that
most people know, was unbeatable, but what do I know about form?
This is the woman who improved a John Hiatt song. That should
make most things possible."
~
John Atkins
"Time
and time again her stunning performance raised the roof.."
~
Country Music People
"I
adore Kathy's wonderful voice and so did this festival audience.
She cast a musical spell over all of us that I will long cherish...an
unforgettable performance.
~
International Country Music News and Routes
"Backed
by just her own guitar and the hugely expressive fiddle work of
world champion Randy Howard, she enthralled the audience with a
vocal purity, pitch and control that was nothing short of beautiful..."
~
Country Music People
"Kathy,
'the voice', holds any audience spellbound when she sings, we sat
there absolutely entranced as did other members of the audience.
Randy Howard's fiddle playing has to be seen to be believed. What
a combination
these
two artistes make. Absolute bliss."
~
North Country Music
