Why You Have To See Brandy Clark Live On Her UK Tour

Brandy Clark has just released Live From Los Angeles, a new album of her 2016 show at the Hotel Cafe in Hollywood and it’s one of the most joyful things I’ve heard this year. All I could think about when listening to this was: life would be better for everyone if they just quit what they were doing right now and booked a ticket for Brandy’s upcoming UK tour dates. Here are the reasons why buying a ticket for these shows is the best gift you could give yourself in 2017…

1) The songs, the voice & the musicians are exceptional 

Brandy Clark is one of the most talented people you’ll ever have the pleasure of being in the same room with. Not only does she have one of the best voices in country music but she also has the personality to keep the room spellbound with her stories and songs. On these live shows she plays acoustic with the support of the hugely impressive guitarist and singer Miles Aubrey and also joining the upcoming UK dates will be Vanessa McGowan who plays bass and sings. The set list will no doubt be a mix of her first two albums, tracks she’s written for other country stars and we might even get to hear a new song if we’re lucky.

2) It’ll be a big day in every town on the tour

Look this is a country music gig but it’s not one of those ones where you sit down and pensively listen to someone’s minor key melancholy all night. This is a standing show where you can sing and clap and laugh and dance and have a rowdy redneck party like you’ve just been let out of your trailer for the night. You can hear the crowd’s enthusiasm and joy after every song on Live from LA. Her latest album Big Day in a Small Town celebrates real people, real life – the kind of stories that everyone knows and can relate to and really enjoy.

3) She’ll sing about all your favourite sins  

Brandy sings about drinkin’, smokin’, cheatin’, getting high, getting pissed off and getting serious revenge on those people who’ve done you wrong. On the live album Brandy discusses her wish to record a whole album of drinking songs – her latest single You’re Drunk is another one to add to the alcoholic repertoire. Now I’m not condoning all this bad behaviour but hell it sure makes for some great songs.

4) She will break your heart in the right way 

Country music was built on sad songs of despair, heartbreak and loneliness. Brandy’s best song Hold My Hand, covers all these feelings and it’s the closest thing we’ve got to a 21st century Jolene. Another weepy is Since You’ve Gone to Heaven, which is the devastating story of a family’s grief inspired by the death of Brandy’s  father. When I saw her live last year there were grown women and men openly crying during these songs. Part of it was the collective power of sharing this music but what was also clear was that Brandy really understands the truth of people’s lives.

5) The merchandise & music you buy might even get signed

Brandy has some of the coolest merchandise on offer and she’s normally happy to stand at the stall until everyone has whatever they want signed. She could not be sweeter or more gracious. In the end you buy a ticket to hear the music so don’t get mad if this doesn’t happen but I’m always impressed with how many country/Americana artists spend time meeting fans and signing after a show. Plus there is nothing better than knowing that you’re buying music straight from the artist.

6) The tickets are so reasonably priced 

You won’t find any ripoff tickets on this tour like we’ve seen at C2C or from other major country stars this year. Most of these shows are less than £25 and for that price you also get support act Cross Atlantic and Jim Lauderdale on the final stretch of dates. This tour is just brimming with unbelievable country music talent. In fact there’s so much quality in this line up its a little embarrassing these dates aren’t all sold out already.

Here are the list of UK dates…you know what to do people:

OCTOBER
FRI 20 BRIGHTON ST. GEORGES

SAT 21 BRISTOL ST. GEORGES

SUN 22 MANCHESTER ROYAL NORTHERN COLLEGE OF MUSIC

MON 23 LONDON UNION CHAPEL

TUE 24 LONDON UNION CHAPEL – NEW DATE

THU 26 MILTON KEYNES THE STABLES

FRI 27 BIRMINGHAM TOWN HALL

SUN 29 GLASGOW ORAN MOR

MON 30 GATESHEAD THE SAGE 2

NOVEMBER

Wed 1 BELFAST MANDELA HALL

THU 2 DUBLIN THE SUGAR CLUB

Support comes from Cross Atlantic (20/10 to 24/10) and Jim Lauderdale (26/10 onwards)

Tickets are on sale now: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/Brandy-Clark-tickets/artist/1872801

And don’t despair if you can’t make these shows or they’re sold out then you can just listen to this album, it’s the next best thing to actually being there.

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