Gilly Darbey – The Albany
Theatre
by Pete Clemons
Despite returning to her home city of Coventry Gilly Darbey
explained how, having lived there for several years now, she now becomes
homesick for her adopted New Zealand and not so much the UK. Understandable I
guess.
Gilly was back in Coventry to visit family and took the time, via borrowed kit, to play a couple of gigs. In this instance the foyer of the Albany Theatre was treated to a pulsating and incredibly entertaining afternoon.
This unique and engaging character brought with her a range of stories about New Zealand
and others aspects of her life. Gilly captivated the audience as she breathed new life into the songs yet, at the same time, remained graceful and full of a natural energy. Humour was never far away either. At times she was very funny.
Gilly's voice had range and control which enabled her to improvise where
necessary. Her choice of songs also varied. They spanned between her own
through to those written by Bob Dylan and Charlie Chaplin.
During the proceedings Gilly excitedly explained how, over in her adopted country, she has teamed up with another familiar name who has moved out there. Vicki Clayton. Together they perform as 'We Wayward women' or 'We Wayward Divas'. For those interested, and with the power of the internet making the world that bit smaller, I am sure YouTube can provide more about this duo.
This free spirited lady was not, it appears, for turning back. I noticed Keith
Donnelly in attendance so I admit to having this romantic notion that there
maybe some kind of brief Waterfall or Nothing by Chance reunion. But it was not
to be.
1.Blow Me Home
2.Hurricane
3. Rockabilly
4. I Miss My Son
5. I Got You Horse (about a cavalcade in New Zealand)
6. Isolation Blues (Covid Song)
7. To Make You Feel My Love (Bob Dylan made famous by Adelle)
8. Oil in the Generator (About a partner who rejected her. Kept his feelings in
a box)
9. Bailey
10. Lets Just Breathe (Willie Nelson)
11. Big Yellow Taxi (Joni Mitchell)
Encore
12. Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
The set list above is by and large correct. I may have misheard a couple of song titles so I improvised. Either way it was an absolute joy to see Gilly. And hopefully she enjoyed it all too.
No comments:
Post a Comment