Jackie Bristow
13th April 2022
Omakere Community Hall, Omakere, New Zealand.
Review by Rob Harbers, photography by Andrew Caldwell.
After a brief hiatus in the face of the advance of the ominous Omicron, the Small Hall Sessions have burst back in to life with the truly international talent that is Jackie Bristow. Normally resident of Nashville but forced into home(land) detention by the cursed pandemic, Jackie is touring the motu sharing her unique talent with audiences far and wide. Tonight, in the first of five consecutive nights’ appearances a select audience were rewarded for bravely venturing out into the remnants of Cyclone Fili with a performance that conceded nothing to either weather or crowd size.
For those who read my review of Jackie’s latest album “Outsider” it should come as no surprise that I’m a fan, and this show was thus deeply satisfying. The setlist, while not neglectful of past glories, favoured the newer material, with the stripped format showing the innate strength of the songs. Each one of them a gem, lovingly crafted and polished, presented to an enraptured set of fellow travellers on the night’s journey. For that is what we were, Jackie’s charming delivery and interaction blurring the line between artist and audience.
Another performer with the same initials as Jackie started his career in a group bearing the name “The Famous Flames”, and as we were first settling in to our seats it seemed like such a thing would be quite welcome! In the (unheated) hall the dreich conditions outside threatened to put a damper on the night, but such feelings were soon dispelled by Jackie’s energy and passion, putting a warm glow in the hearts of the select few.
Opening salvo “Whistle Blower “ set the excursion rolling, bringing in a degree of ferro-equinology not often encountered in this small community, given the distance to train tracks, while still conveying universal themes of longing and desire.
From there on the territory explored covered desert dust-storms, the futility of war, the relief from anxiety occasioned by a sojourn away from an adopted second home, “felines and bitches”(guess you had to be there)(but you still can!) and many more subjects. Accompaniment for the lyrical expeditions was provided by tales of time on the road, including a dark foray into the state of Florida (which also took place against a backdrop of stormy weather, but made much darker by American paranoia). Performing “Let It Rain” while the stream beside the hall was threatening a do-over of Johnny Cash’s “Five Feet High and Rising” was perhaps a brave call, but we made it through unscathed!
A couple of personal highlights for me were “Looking For Love” (most recently played, perhaps with a touch of irony, on the Mike Hosking show, giving some their first ever experience of willingly listening to the man!), and the heartfelt and honest delivery of “Surrender”’s ode to the creative process. But it was all good stuff – your own highlights may well be different.
In case I’ve been too subtle so far, my message is this: If you’re at all able, get along to one of the remaining Sessions, or catch Jackie somewhere else before she goes back to the States. With the album having reached #14 on the Roots/Americana charts without her being in country, just imagine what it could do when she’s back there supporting it – this could be another Crowded House/Flight of the Conchords moment, and think of the warm glow you’d be able to feel knowing you saw her before that happened! Do it!!
Were you there at the Omakere Community Hall for this intimate gig? Or have you seen Jackie Bristow perform live somewhere else before? Tell us about it in the comments below!
Note: Ambient Light was provided passes to review and photograph this concert. As always, this has not influenced the review in any way and the opinions expressed are those of Ambient Light’s only.
If you enjoyed this content, please consider donating towards the running of Ambient Light, covering expenses and allowing us to expand the coverage you love by visiting our PressPatron page.
I have seen and heard Jackie and agree with all the comments by Rob. Jackie is a gem. Coming to Auckland soon. Wish I was her support act!!