Gig Review
Michael Pickett
Saturday, 17 May 2008:
A very welcome return by this hugely talented Canadian musician. The one factor that really stood out in tonight's performance was the sheer intensity of Michael Pickett's guitar playing, singing and harmonica work. Starting off with “I'll Be Gone”, it had nice chopping rhythms and good riffs. Michael used two guitars, one of which is a 1931 National Steel. He played a number of songs written in collaboration with Gary Nicholson. “Hitch Hiking Woman” had a very good slide and “If That Wasn't Love” featuring very poignant lyrics and gentle picking! Another one of their's was “Rosalie” with energetic chops and a very good slide. Michael finished his first set with a solo harp version of Mose Allison's “Parchman Farm.” In a word – a barnstormer!
... continued
The second set was a pleasant mixture of folk, ballads, and country blues. Woody Guthrie's “Deportee,” a song about migrant workers, was very well played. Next a cracking rendition of “Blues Is A Friend Of Mine”, a high energy, slide blues and “Wicked Grin” with very intense vocals and solid playing. Michael Pickett pulled out the emotional stops when he played Joni Mitchell's “Cary”; very well done! He finished the set with “Can't Find My Way Home,” which became an extended workout with great picking and a very good slide accompaniment – superb!
The one special request Michael was asked to perform was “Linin’ Track,” the traditional worksong song that Leadbelly taught to Spider John Koerner, who in turn passed it on to Michael. This was 'a capella' and truly stunning!
A wonderful evening from the highly talented Michael Pickett, truly a musician of great style and skill!
Review by: Lewis A Harris.
© Bluesnights. The Dorset Blues Society.
17 May 2008.
