06 May 2010 (gig)
18 May 2010
It's Thursday night at the Water Rats, and it's American Diane Birch's first solo show in London. Legend has it that Charlie Chaplin once performed here and "His Bobness", Bob Dylan played his first gig here in England, So Pretty big shoes to fill, but she fills them with aplomb.
If you don't know Diane Birch, think 'Dusty in Memphis', Carol King 'Tapestry', and 70's AM Radio and you get the picture, sweet soft soul music.
Diane strolls on, pretty as a picture, and it's her alone with just a Fender Rhodes and an upright piano. It's amazing to think that Diane, born and brought up by a mother and father (who was a baptist minister) who did not allow to hear any secular music whilst growing up. It doesn't show, you'd think she had been listening to southern soul and the sounds of Muscle Shoals since she was born.
She is in town to play songs from her album 'Bible Belt', produced by Steve Greenberg and Soul Legend Betty Wright. Songs such as 'Fools', 'Fire Escape', 'Cheap Ass Love' and previous single 'Valentino' with it's hand clap accompaniment. Strangely the songs sound bigger and more powerful in a solo setting (normally she is backed by a full band ). Highlight of the evening is a delicious cover of Hall and Oates 'Rich Girl'.
Diane has everything going for her, she looks great, sings great and writes great songs. Expect her to go mainstream gold anytime soon.
