Coventry Music Articles by Pete Clemons: Kristy Gallagher

Monday, April 3, 2023

Kristy Gallagher – Benn Hall

Kristy Gallagher – Benn Hall

by Pete Clemons

It was pleasantly surprising when I discovered that singer songwriter Kristy Gallagher was returning to the live arena. It was, possibly a brief comeback, but well worth a quick trip down the M6 to Rugby's Benn Hall.

Kristy was taking time off due to Motherhood and performed two sets. The first included a mix of new songs and covers. The second she jokingly called her 'greatest hits' and added 'this part wont take long'.

If anything, and particularly with some new songs that Kristy was effectively premiering – and which came as a complete surprise, she sounded better than I ever imagined she would. I was genuinely shocked. Kristy had certainly lost none of her charm. No sign of ring rustiness at all.

I have been following the musical career of Kristy Gallagher for getting on for 20 years now. Mainly at pubs and open mics. But I have to say that its not been often I have seen her perform on a stage as big as at the Benn Hall.

And it had me wondering if this could be the start of a whole new renaissance for Kristy. Looking around me, it was a healthy audience, certainly younger than that I would expected to see at her gigs in days gone by. Admittedly, a few of them were here to see some of the other artists whose talents were on show this evening.

Kristy was 'representing' Coventry a show called Girls and Guitars. If there were any signs of nerves then they were not obvious. Kristy was expressive and had lost none of the sincerity she gives while delivering her songs. If anything the years of experience gained was now being deployed. And this was, I thought, particularly relevant in her new songs.

In the form of 'Sleep' and 'Time' Kristy has songs about her new life as a mother. And these come, in my opinion, with a slightly different style. Difficult to pinpoint but more singer songwriter with integrity and slightly less folky. That said there was still room for songs like 'Blood' and 'Fending the Frost'.

The event was originally initially intended to showcase four talented ladies. Sadly however Becky Morgan was unavailable due to family circumstances. As such the spotlight shon on three. The other artists involved, who each had equal billing, included:

Jessie May. Jessie is young, incredibly bright, and who's songs are inspired by relationships amongst other things. Destined for Belfast university Jessie had more than a touch of Joni Mitchell in her voice but used in a more modern context. She has already gained Godiva Festival experience.

Josie Field, a new name to me. Born in Johannesburg, I picked up on a free spirit with a distinctive voice and style. Her treatment of her songs was confident, controlled and clear throughout. Great guitar style too.

During this, most enjoyable of events, the artists were asked about where they gained inspiration for their songwriting. Asked if this could possibly be a new start Kristy answered with a teasing.... 'maybe'.