Patty Griffin w/ Frankie Lee, Sage, Gateshead
- Written by Lee Hammond
This year's Americana season at Sage, Gateshead opens with an exceptional evening, arguably the best that our counterparts across the pond have to offer. First up Frankie Lee takes to the stage as this hushed crowd greet him warmly, he is the latest in a long line of up and coming country stars. His incredible voice hits you like a freight train, his spellbinding tracks are typical of any country star, founded in love and heartbreak. Yet what really hits you is his genial manner, and his story about his journey cracks everyone up.
This short set is definitely long enough to truly appreciate Frankie Lee’s brilliant talent, but he closes out with arguably his best track in ‘High and Dry’. Another popular choice for country artists of late, the theme of growing and smoking your own appears to have been a contagious one. For a lone man with his guitar Frankie Lee leaves a definite lasting impression on this packed audience, we’re certain he’ll be back.
From the up and coming country star, to an Americana star the wonderful Patty Griffin is next to take to the stage. Her latest album Servant Of Love provides the basis for tonight’s set and she opens up with some beautiful country-infused tracks. However, the beauty of Patty’s set lies in her darker tracks, the title track from her aforementioned album is a definite highlight.
The sombre track, with its beguiling melody and harsher tone, is what draws us in. The fact that it’s such a stark contrast to the rest of the set makes it all that more appealing; the pain conveyed in the words is otherworldly. The rest of the set is typically much more upbeat, and there's an excellent atmosphere as she jokes with the crowd.
Tracks like ‘Gunpowder’ provide the light against the darkness, there’s a real excitement and a buzz around the Sage. Again though it's all over all too soon, but as Patty leaves the stage, she receives a rapturous reception coaxing the remarkable lady back to the stage. Rounding off an incredible evening from two brilliant musicians.