Kim Richey Rocks the House at Ziggy's
by Mark Shull
Woody Guthrie, Hank Williams, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen. Once
every generation, a songwriter comes along who stands above the rest
because of an abilty to write exactky what other people are feeling.
Whether it is social commentary or tales of human emotion, the result is
the same. If Kim Richey's first two albums and her amazing show at
Ziggy's in Winston-Salem on September 26 are any indication, we may have
found ours.
Her songs, while critically acclaimed, have thus far been ignored by
most radio stations. However, one look at the Ziggy's audience would
tell you, the word is starting to get out. Richey's first headlining
show at the club drew a very respectable number. Her cds may come out on
a country label, Mercury Nashvile, but make no mistake, this girl can
rock!
Richey opened the show with the first song fom her newest cd Bitter
Sweet, "Every River". She mixed songs from both cds with four new songs
in an energetic, emotional set. From "Just My Luck" to "I'm Allright",
Richey had the audience dancing and singing along to very song, and
yelling for more.
The fans had come to hear their favorites, but gave Richey the quiet
respect she had earned while she performed the new songs. The rocker,
"Main Distraction", performed at her last Ziggy's show was familiar to
most and well received. "100 Miles Ago", performed as a duet with rythm
guitarist Angelo, is a somber, reflective song of lost love and bad luck
on the open road.
Richey's incredible band is also allowed their own moments to
shine, especially Angelo, and lead guitarist Keny Vaughan, who played
some blistering solos.
For her encore, Richey came out alone, with her acoustic guitar and
debuted two brand new songs, both lovely ballads, "Hello Old Friend" and
"So It Goes". After taking in the much deserved applause, richey brought
out the band, and finished with "You'll Never Know"and "Why Can't I Say
Goodnight".
When Kim Richey comes to your town, you owe it to yourself to
check her out. In the meantime, go out and buy her fabulous cds, Kim
Richey and Bitter Sweet. You'll be glad you did.