Liverpool Sound and Vision Rating 8.5/10
People make much of debut performances, the rite of passage which is seen as historic, the wish to not only enjoy at first-hand what the future may bring, but perhaps to deliver the knowing smile in homely company or at the places of work the thought that you were there to witness it.
If you cannot make history, the least you can do is see it being produced, the first-hand experience, the supply of good fortune in which to elevate those to whom impress us to the point of near modern thinking ecstasy. History is there as a guide, it informs us of the Golden Hour in which all others are judged, weighed against, and when it comes to the debut performance, it is perhaps unfairly seen as being the definition of what the artist in all their guises, can achieve.
Kacey Musgraves is no surprise entrant into the world of music that has captured the imagination and love of the Liverpool people, she has served her time well across three original studio recordings, and even with the embracing of a Christmas album, it seems one of the talented voices of 21st Century Country Music, is a force in which to be reckoned with. The only surprise is perhaps that it has taken this long to get Kacey Musgraves to perform at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall. In the end though, good things come to those willing to wait a few years.
Country Music arguably doesn’t get the true attention it deserves as it travels across the Atlantic Ocean, like Blues and Jazz it had to reach a point of ridicule and despondency in which to bounce back from, in which tackling the giants of the genre’s pasts was not as daunting.
It is with a measure of musical beauty in which Ms. Musgraves was more than adept at conquering, and aided by her band and in such as Slow Burn, Wonder Woman, It Is What It Is, Keep It To Yourself, High Time, Mother, Oh, What a World, Family Is Family, Space Cowboy and a rather softly regaled cover of The Beatles’ masterpiece, Here comes the sun, Ms. Musgraves bowled over the appreciative Liverpool audience with vigour, obvious classic poise and a wonderful sense of honest direction.
It is to be hoped that Kacey Musgraves will once again visit these shores, judging by the reception she received during this particular visit to Liverpool, it will be one that will be eagerly attended.
Ian D. Hall