Imelda May and her band took up shop at The Paramount on September 28th, fresh on the heels of the release of her new album, Tribal. The Irish Rockabilly Invasion has left no doubt that the hearts, minds, and eardrums of all in attendance were helpless to resist the music and charm of the singer and her group. Some in the audience had begun the day in Brooklyn, for a ten song set at the Rough Trade Record Store early that afternoon. They were treated to an intimate performance by Imelda May and her big bad handsome man; her guitarist and husband Darrel Higham. 

They offered a bare bones treatment of their work to a cozy sized audience.  The performance consisted of songs from the new offering highlighted by the title track, It’s Good To Be Alive, and Five Good Men. Darrel handled electric guitar, while the vocalist warbled.

Afterwards the singer waited to meet fans, pose for pictures, and sign the new release for all who lined up to say hello. Imelda proved to be a gracious host, and showed genuine care for her fans.

 

Imelda May may be the best artist that many on this side of the Pond have not yet heard, and that needs to be rectified.  She takes you through a musical trip into rock’s past, while simultaneoulsy helping to create it’s future. The Angel of Dublin has drawn comparisons to the legendary Billie Holliday, and been crowned by Wanda Jackson as her heir apparent. Imelda has shared the stage with no less than Jeff Beck, the late Lou Reed, Bono, and Van Morrison.  Influences in molding her sound include Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, Gene Vincent, and Eddie Cochran.  The production and music of Sun Records can be heard in Imelda’s work.  While she draws from the classic sound, her music is not lost in a time warp in any way.  In this day and age where music is over-produced and often vapid, the artist’s work has spoken volumes for the need to go back to the early raw sound of rock.  That was a time when rock still rolled, and valid arguments are hard to find that such has in any way been improved upon through technology.

The Paramount opened with the title track from the just released album.  Many couples in the audience cut a mean rug, turning the venue into the likes of a Dublin dance hall for the evening.  The show consisted of twenty songs, and the rock took flight for each one of them.  Highlights included Wild Woman, Five Good Men, It’s Good To Be Alive, Round the Bend, and Johnny Got A Boom Boom. 

 

When the band worked it’s way deep down in the groove, there was no stopping them. Not that anyone would have wanted to, judging by the party that was going on. 

Among the encores, the version of the Cher classic Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) was a piece of gold worth waiting the evening for in and of itself.  The singer was accompanied only by ukulele, played by Al Gare. The two nearly stole the show with this stripped down gem, and that was no easy feat this evening.  Decca Records may have snubbed the Beatles, but they were smart enough to snap up Imelda May.  Make sure that you give their new release a listen. 

The band consists of:  -Imelda May, Vocals, Bodhran   -Darrel Higham, Guitar   -Al Gare, Bass, Ukulele   -Steve Rushton, Drums    – Dave Priseman, Guitar & Trumpet.

 

The show at the Paramount was opened by a fine and fiery band called The Bellfuries, straight from Austin, Texas.  The band offered three original songs from their forthcoming album (untitled at this date); Loving Arms, Beaumont Blues, and Bad Seed Soul. The crowd was won over early on in the set, like a fish that bit hard into a tantalizing hook. The band also offered cuts from their last release, Just Plain Lonesome. The group far outshone the tag of an ‘opening act’, with fine vocals, a rockin’ rhythm section, and a steady backbeat.  Imelda May was sure to thank them at evening’s end, and opined that the fellas were so good that she could be opening for them. The Bellfuries gotta thank Hank and give a nod to Carl Perkins, but they are original rockers all their own. They didn’t merely pass the time, but doubled your money’s worth. Peel your eyes and be on the lookout for them in the future.

The Bellfuries are: -Mike Molar, Lead Guitar   -Joey Simone, Vocals & Guitar   – Jeff Seaver: Upright Electric Bass   -Chris Sensat: Drums & Killer Harmonies. 

 

L4LM’s Chat with Imelda May:

L4LM:  Tell us about the female rockers who influenced you?

Imelda May: There are more women than ever rocking today.  I love Chryssie Hynde, Joan Jett, and Debbie Harry.  Their music is great, and they also taught us to enjoy ourselves, and to have a ball on the road.  We certainly do.

L4LM: How did you ignore the pressure from record company executives to become a more reigned in corporate performer?

Imelda May: I wanted to do my thing, and people are crying out for music where the bass drum kicks you in the chest.  Sugar is nice, but in it’s place.  I am a stubborn woman, and I was not giving in to cave for easy money. I never had done that, and never will. 

L4LM: Tell us about Darrel:

Imelda: He plays killer riffs, and is a phenomenal husband. 

L4LM: Some of your work brings to mind the Ramones. What do you think of them?

Imelda May: The Ramones were a great band.  I think they have been understimated in rock’s history by some.

L4LM: It is well known that you love Link Wray, Chuck Berry, and Elvis Presley.  What I’d like to know is what Gospel singers influenced you?

Imelda May: Sister Rosetta Tharpe is amazing, and was in on the earliest rock and roll.  She was such a lovely street lady!  There was such a groove to her.  And of course, I love Mahalia Jackson.

L4LM: How did you come up with the lyric to Right Amount of Wrong on the new album?  It sounds like one of those great early Elvis lyrics, like I Forgot To Remember To Forget. 

Imelda May: My co-producer Mike Crossey said that, and it sounded like a lyric to me right away.  He meant that the best take in the studio is not always the perfect one.  Sometimes it is the one that keeps the grit in it, and has a mistake left in there.  It may have that magic. 

L4LM: You have played with the great Wanda Jackson.  What comes to your mind when you think of her?

Imelda May: I love her.  Wanda is really amazing, and just so wonderful.  It is a big thrill to sing with her, and I was so happy to be able to do that.  She is the first lady of rock.

L4LM: Will you tell the story behind Little Pixie, from the new album?

Imelda May:  My brother wrote the words as a poem for my daughter Violet.  It was for her christening. He sings and plays his accordion when his taxi is stuck in traffic back home.  

Imelda May will wind up the current tour back in her native Ireland on November 17th, as St. David’s Hall in Cardiff.  She invites all to “Come out and have a great time”.  From what L4LM saw and heard live and on record, not having a great time is a near impossibility.  The next time Imelda is in town, don’t you dare miss it.  

 

Words by Bob Wilson      Photographs by Wayne Herrschaft 

Check out a full photo gallery here.

 

 

 

 

 

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