Ben Edwards’ production bring swathes of sound to Reid’s lovely songs.
The question for me was how much of that complexity and atmosphere could transfer from the studio to the touring stage. By the second number in this set, the answer was: quite a lot. Playing a large bodied jazz style guitar, Reid fingered the chords for the title track from the album while Sam Taylor, on electric guitar, played a shimmering counterpoint.
The pair were then joined by drummer Chris o’Connor and bassist Richie Pickard, and while they rocked through the next couple of numbers, I wondered whether this was where the beautiful ambience of the album was to be sacrificed But then two more tracks from the album, I Come Home To You and Richard, showed this is a band in control of its material.
Bad weather delayed the band arriving, and so the concert started late. I was only able to catch the first half.
Nadia Reid has extraordinary poise. It is evident in her stage presence, whether performing solo or with the group. You can see it in her publicity photos and album covers. Poise is what makes her songwriting so compelling. She is watching and experiencing. This is what artists do.
- Richard Dingwall
Nadia Reid
• Port Chalmers Town Hall, Thursday, March 30
