Out There, One Night In October

Eleanor McEvoy,

The Little Civic,

Wolverhampton.

12 October 2006

Having arrived early in Wolverhampton. I checked into my so called Hotel. Why I always seem to choose grotty dives to stay, I don't suffer so well. It was, however, central and within easy reach of the Railway and The Little Civic. Which I found easily.

And where tonight I will be willing to see Eleanor McEvoy.

Days have rolled by, One year since I saw this Irish song'stress, and with her new album just released ( see Review) Call it biochemistry, but I knew I had to be there.

I made my way to the venue an hour prior to the time stated on my ticket of 7.30. I stepped inside to a very sparse bar/ booking hall. but when I made my way upstairs to where Eleanor was finishing her sound check, I walked in to a room that had the feel of a well used music venue. Stage at the front, with tables and chairs in close proximity. A dimly lit chandelier overhead and small bar at the back. But what gave this venue it's feel was all the posters of bands past and present, bringing back memories in some, and who? in others.

Inside I met fellow followers Martin and Sue, who I knew from previous Gigs, along with Clare, who recognised me from another. Prior to the start and we positioned ourselves at the front.

As I have read in a previous review of this tour. All her instruments were placed in various parts of the stage. Eleanor bounded on to it at 8.50 picked up her Acoustic Guitar, and after a blast of feedback, and, a request for the background music to be switched off,

( at least we could tell it was live) The Evening commenced.

After her second number. "It's Mine", one I hadn't heard live in a while, Eleanor stopped and said "I must show you this" and she produced a gift bag from behind her on stage.

It was a present from Martin and Sue.

They had been to every gig on this tour and had given her this gift containing Items contained in her lyrics. First out of the bag was a bottle of Beaujolais Wine, mentioned in the last song, then a bottle of Jameson's, and a bottle of Champagne. together with some bread and tea. Eleanor gave references to each item as the evening progressed.

And progress it did with her moving seamlessly from number to number, instrument to instrument. There was one moment when she had to pause to re-tune. She said we were so kind, to which one wag shouted, "Get on with it" which brought a smile to everyone there.

One thing this lass doesn't do is stop. Even during the break she was selling her albums at the back. Signing, and chatting to us all. which wasn't difficult as there were only 30-35 people here, (poor promoting) but it had a wonderful intimacy about it.

Just a shame the record company wouldn't let her sell the new album, but there was plenty from the back catalogue, and a lots were sold.

The evening, like most of her sets, is over too soon, finishing tonight with a Bob Dylan song. No Encore tonight...shame. But It was one of my most enjoyable in her company. Her versatility on so many different instruments, the lyrics and the stories. So quote unquote.

I Hope it ' isn't too late' before I see her again.

I can only apologise for the blatant use of song titles in the making

of this review. Oh and one last thing.

If ever you're needing accommodation in the Wolverhampton area, Don't stay at the Fox Hotel.

That was the only negative thing during my stay.

The Little Civic Set List.

PART ONE

Acoustic Guitar

1. I’ll Be Willing
2. It's Mine
3. Non Smoking Single Female
4. Quote I Love You Unquote
5. Memphis Tennessee

Bass Guitar

6. Little Look

Electric Guitar

7. Mercy Mercy Me
8. My Own Sweet Bed Tonight
9. Territory Of Poets
10. The Way You Wear Your Troubles

PART TWO

Acoustic Guitar

11. Fields Of Dublin 4
12. Did You Tell Him
13. Biochemistry


A cappella

14. Stray Thoughts

Mandolin

15. Suffer So Well

Fiddle

16. Driving Home From Butlers
17 Paddy Cathy's Reel
18 Wrong So Wrong

Acoustic Guitar

19 Isn’t It A Little Late
20 Only A Woman’s Heart
21 I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight

Chester 5 October Review By Graham Ashmore

Eleanor on MySpace