Natalie McCool in New Brighton, November 2014. Photograph by Ian D. Hall.
Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 9/10
It may seem extraordinary, the type of story that even a seasoned publisher might balk at the idea of putting into print but the rise of Widnes songstress Natalie McCool is one that demands to be told over and over again and each time the narrative is accounted, the stronger it becomes and that is because like all good stories, it is, like her music, 100 per cent sincere.
The latest chapter for the woman who makes a guitar sound like a nightingale with a wonderful dirty sense of humour and a chuckle in its heart saw Ms. McCool open up for the legendary 80s Pop/Rock band Go West at the Floral Pavilion in New Brighton. Even though the crowd had made their way to see their heroes perform, they soon warmed to Natalie’s obvious charms and outstanding talent before secretly wishing that she could have had more of the evening to play with.
The looks on the faces inside the Floral Pavilion said it all, somewhere at the back of their musical inbox, the reference guide to all that is good within the melody output of musicians that call Liverpool and Merseyside their home, the knowledge that Natalie McCool always offers a great set would have struck home. Despite not being with her band and only having a few songs to perform before Go West took to the stage, Ms. McCool kept up that distinguished record going and with the biggest of smiles opened up with her version of Billy Fury’s Wondrous Place.
Natalie McCool does something unexpected with this song that arguably no other would think of attempting. By turning it into something sleazy, beautiful sordid and with a tinge of dishonesty to it, she shows her the truth in her sincerity; that music must evolve to not become staid and beige like. The song gets under the skin and manifests and multiplies, it corrupts and soothes and in the end become one of the finest opening tunes around. A triumph in just a few minutes!
With tracks from her much admired debut album being played and a couple of new tracks that have had many followers already talking enthusiastically about what is to emerge next. The tremendous Wind Blows Harder and Dig It Out sounded superb being played live in the Floral Pavilions and stood up equally to Dust & Coal, Black Sun and the lovely Thin Air.
Even without her band behind her, Ms. McCool makes such a dynamic and attention grabbing musician that the heart wants to applaud with vigour. There really is no stopping this woman, like Joanne Shaw Taylor before her, the world is ready to hand over several bowls of oysters and as a side dish every pearl produced, polished and wrapped pristinely. Just how good that moment is going to be when it materialises.
Ian D. Hall