Beth Rowley + Joey Ryan at The Glee Club Birmingham – 28th October 2008

Beth Rowley
You can’t help but like Beth Rowley. The diminutive songstress with the huge voice (and the cute dimples) even gives out sweets at her gigs and has a meet and greet at the end of her performance. She’s simply lovely.
Beth Rowley
Support came in the guise of Californian Joey Ryan.  Armed solely with his acoustic guitar the Californian singer — who appeared completely relaxed on stage — strolled his way through his set with consummate ease. His gravelly and powerful vocal ranged from boombox to mouse-like whisper as he progressed through his mostly melancholic set.

“I wrote my first happy song last Thursday” he told the crowd on one of his many spoken interjectors. Maybe he should write more as the upbeat songs definitely seemed to appeal to the masses.
Beth Rowley
On to the main event.

Miss Rowley, impeccably dressed in a floral skirt and tight black top, made her way to the stage accompanied with a glass of red wine. Was she squiffy? No matter.

What strikes you straight away when Beth starts to sing is the pure power and volition she sings with. You wouldn’t have thought it possible from such a slight thing. She simply oozes her way through her set of new tunes, yet to be classics and already established masters.
Beth Rowley
Beth kicked off proceedings with the delectable ‘Oh My life’ and sauntered through many of the tracks from her album including ‘So Sublime’ and the title track ‘Little Dreamer’. Interspersed in this dynamic set was the delectably replicated Nina Simone classic ‘Nobody’s Fault But Mine’ as well as cracking new tunes such as ‘Howl at the Moon’.  Beth finished with the fan’s fav ‘Beautiful Tomorrow’. Simply splendid.

Backing and music came from her tight and professional  band and I can honestly say it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a drummer play a suitcase. I kid you not.
Beth Rowley
To conclude, if you’ve not seen Beth Rowley live then you really should. Vocally she’s more than big enough to carry a main event, whilst ‘fame-wise’ she’s still small enough to be accessible.

Review by Zak Edwards
Photography by Bianca Barrett

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2 thoughts on “Beth Rowley + Joey Ryan at The Glee Club Birmingham – 28th October 2008

  1. We couldn’t agree more with this review. I have seen Beth on several occasions now and she simply gets better each time. Her talent, passion,stage presense and indeed her looks are all well worth the ticket cost. I guess one day Jools H. will see the light and invite this amazing talent on to his show. More people deserve to see and hear her!! My wife and me can’t wait to see her again.

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