It’s not often that after a gig I find myself trying to search the definition of something like ‘Southern Gentleman.’ But make no mistake, whatever the definition is, it isn’t someone like Boris Johnson and other slimy types. What it might be is someone like Andrew Combs who, after the set finishes, tells us that he would be happy to sell us a CD or vinyl, or simply to shake our hands. The list of musicians I actually can imagine doing this is short, but then tonight, Matthew, we’re here for Andrew Combs. And what we get is a set spanning his near decade and a half recording career that makes for a lovely Sunday evening out.
He’s just released his sixth album Dream Pictures, which is really a very lovely record indeed. Though Nashville-based, this isn’t a particularly country sounding record. Not that this matters remotely. Instead, armed with his ‘band in a box’ he starts off with ‘Dirty Rain‘ from 2017’s Canyons Of My Mind album. It’s a beautiful song that shows off the impressive high notes he can reach and with autumn being in the air it really couldn’t be more appropriate.
Then it’s into ‘Eventide.’ He prefaces this by saying that this song is the thesis for the album. In some cases this would make me want to run for the exit, but let’s face it, Americans handle sincerity better than those of us over on this side of the pond. He tells us that the theme for this album is contentment. Now, sometimes artists might be better before they get too content (‘Layla’ compared with ‘Wonderful Tonight‘ anyone?) but maybe part of growing up is accepting that it’s actually ok to be fine and not to have to apologise for it.
Certainly his audience listen with respect. It would be good to see him tour with a full band in this city sometime soon, but that’s not to say what we get is reductive: on the contrary, it’s a sign that stripped down to their bare bones these songs are powerful, drawing on many influences. ‘I See Me‘ reminds me of Joy Division (to my surprise) at least until the vocals kick in, and other highlights include ‘Still Water‘ and ‘The Sea In Me.’
But he saves the best for last. Taken from his debut album Worried Man, ‘Too Stoned To Cry‘ is a country weepy that it’s the easiest thing to imagine Waylon Jennings or Willie Nelson singing. It’s perhaps the most Nashville he’s sounded all night by far. He tells us that his Mum can’t stand to listen to it (though whether it’s drug connotations or the fact it could reduce anyone to tears is not specified).
And yes, we do all line up to shake hands with him at the end. Being content ain’t bad. Neither’s being humble.
