Ashleigh Flynn, Eliza Shaddad, Dave Banks and Luke Tuchscherer.

Lev 1. Esquires Bedford. 30th September 2010.

Bedford Live left it's usual comfy home of Harpurs to venture 'down the road' to Esquires for the gig tonight. The familiar smell of the restaurant food being cooked is replaced by Bedford's premier music venue's odour of overflowing urinals! The sweat of rock 'n' roll is ingrained in the rose hued carpet. For the more conservatively dressed gig-goers, this acoustic event was, perhaps, going to be slightly surreal, but by it's closure I'm sure all agreed that it worked out splendidly. The mantra was in place. If you love music and have a heart and a pair of ears, then Danny's Bar was the place to be on this autumnal Thursday evening.

Making a much awaited return to Bedford is ASHLEIGH FLYNN. Setting off from London, it has taken her nearly four hours to be with us. Obviously she is a little 'frazzled' by this experience. Happily, it does not show in her performance. Ashleigh just projects positive vibes. "We are progressive!" she proudly announces. From Portland, Oregon, this politico-country woman has so much grit and determination. Her set seems to shoehorn in more words of wisdom than any vitriolic rock band could possibly muster. This is one hell of an angry lady. A gentle introduction is afforded us, it's called "Barrow", a song about her inspirational late grandfather. The Irish connections are so evident. There is just a righteous strum pinning the words down for a moment before they free flow and escape. A torrent of passion and positive attitude exudes. "Last Chance Saloon" tells of drinking too much whiskey down south (and she does not mean Sussex!), while "Everything" is a song that draws its inspiration from climbing a mountain high up in Oregon where, according to Ashleigh, "you can see for miles and miles".

She makes such great observations. It's obvious that her driving force and craftsmanship are totally focused and true. Political to the core, she doubts if Obama is the overall answer to the "American Dream". Delightful cynicisms abound. Added to this, she is blessed with such a lived in voice. This sassy lady is totally imperturbable as she continues to navigate us through a political and personal folkscape. A hushed acoustic indignation sweeps over her whole set. An enjoyable encore sees Ashleigh joined by Luke and Dave Whybird. The special affinity is further enhanced post-gig as Ashleigh meets and greets almost everyone present! The bond that America and this country has was ably demonstrated by one of it's 'citizens across the pond' tonight!

I have not seen ELIZA SHADDAD before. It's a glaring omission that is thankfully rectified this evening. Her warm and dreamy vocals nestle nicely with some picked guitar skills, especially on "A Good Man". Eliza admits that men play a pivotal role in the inspiration for her songwriting. Ever more amazing is "Silver Dagger". It's an old Irish folk song and the opener tonight. She immediately grabs the attention of most people here. There is just a transfixed stare directed at our young performer. "Home (Dilusion)" is thoughtful and reflective. "Timbuktu" is a much happier, jollier tune. Even these contrasting offerings don't really prepare us for Eliza's rap song! It is, to be fair, both tribal and ethereal. A thoroughly diverse collection that earned her loud and justifiably deserved applause at the end.

Sandwiched in between our female vocalists are the deeply dependable DAVE BANKS and LUKE TUCHSCHERER, who form half of The Whybirds, of course. The duo perform many of their band's songs. They also introduce us to a couple of unreleased ones. Luke reveals that these will soon be tidied up and put on a forthcoming live album. Other covers are included, most naturally Mr Earle and "Hardcore Troubadour", of which Luke makes the quote of the night; "If Steve was dead he would be rolling in his grave!" With a Spanish tour with Drive By Truckers coming up shortly, life is good for The Whybirds clan. A cracking cover of "Rockin' in the Free World" by the 'Godfather of grunge' is the perfect ending.