Apparently the last time Mike Taylor, aka Hiss Golden Messenger, was in Glasgow he played the Captains Rest in front of just couple of people; it’s amazing what a few good reviews can do for you.
Tonight he plays to a healthy, mainly seated, audience with that undertone of a Glasgow Friday night in the air.
The lovely Siobhan Wilson starts proceedings and as always there’s a delightful spark from the soft-spoken singer.
Her music washes over the audience relaxing and enticing the gathered for a chill before the night goes into full flow, Wilson’s voice is angelic yet strong and her excitement about playing a new song and a new piano are as endearing as her lovingly delivered songs.
There’s nothing in French tonight though, her English language songs taking the front seat as she switches between two guitars and the piano and allows her talent to just wash over the crowd.
Hiss Golden Messenger appears a seasoned performer, his sound is rooted in the bluegrass of his native North Carolina but remains remarkably contemporary and his presence is a captivating one.
He’s clearly pleased to be here and interacts with the crowd willingly and regularly, playing each request from his four album strong catalogue, although requests for ‘Purple Rain’ are greeted with “I wish I knew how to play that song” – you may have to wait til Thursday for that one.
Whether chatting to the crowd or performing his almost faultless, raw world-weary tracks complete with grimace on face Taylor is intoxicating.
He seems quite happy to go on all night and the crowd lap it up, as some get a little over into the back and forth banter from the singer prompting him to usher a wee “calm down”, before moving into a new track.
There are times when his stories tend to fade out to no real relevant ending, but so is his manner that no one really cares and while his catalogue is impressive it doesn’t offer a massive array of variety, but those in attendance know what to expect, it’s not a flashy pop show it’s a talented man drawling out weary tales in a captivating manner.
If you came out to the Sleazy’s basement for a dance you’d be massively disappointed, Hiss Golden Messenger has a sound you really need to be the mood for otherwise it could be a dredge, however if you are in the right mind frame then he’s just sheer brilliance.
Words: Iain Dawson
Photos: Bill Gray
