The celebration of Good Company’s first anniversary was rather understated. At least in terms of sound. For rather than some of the punchy country and acoustic rock that have been a staple so far, this songwriters’ round leant heavily into whimsical folk. Not that the genre that host Katy Hurt is known for took a backseat entirely. Owen Morton championed a classic honky-tonk sound. But he was sandwiched between Jessica Dives and Martha Cowan who, between them, lent a thoughtful and ethereal air to proceedings. The tempo was sedate. The mood meandering. As a result, the night’s emphasis on storytelling took on extra significance. It reminded me of an Al Olender gig that I attended earlier in the year. And indeed, Cowan in particular was reminiscent of her. With each line of her lyrics holding a weight of meaning. Stringing them together to create an atmosphere that was highly conducive to listening. And with songs like ‘The Wind Project’, Dives was equally enchanting. Combining the jazz-like vocals of Hailey Tuck with the wistfulness of Ellie Gowers to tell tales that were both interesting and emotional. It seemed that Katy herself was attuned to their vibes as ‘All We Ever Have’ and ‘Seasons’ melded beautifully with their choices. And even Morton, with ‘Scrap Metal’, added a poignancy that was in keeping with the general ambience. Along with some random diversions into conversations about watches and the Wirral in between their songs, this sixth outing for Hurt’s baby at Thornton Hough Village Club proved to be a quiet success. Here’s to many more at this hidden gem of a venue.
Featured Image (C) Katy Hurt
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