Billed as her final European tour - and at 79 years old it probably is - it was not to be missed and we managed some excellent seats in the second row.
First up was Jim Lauderdale, a name I didn't know but it turned out he used to write songs with Robert Hunter so he had a pedigree. He was an entertaining singer songwriter with a great voice and good guitar skills.
Emmylou came on with a five piece backing band who were excellent as was to be expected although they were all new to me. She kicked off with 'Love ' duetting with Jim Lauderdale then into 'Here I am' and 'Orphan Girl'. It was evident that her voice was not quite what it used to be but she knew how to carry a song, played a mean acoustic guitar and the band behind her was very good.
It was not long before she played the song that was non-negotiable for me 'Pancho and Lefty' and then the classic EH track 'Red Dirt Girl'. Tracks I was not expecting but hugely enjoyed were 'Going Back to Harlen', 'Kern River' and 'Hickory Winds'. Just great to hear all three of those. Tracks I was expecting and hugely enjoyed were 'Luxury Liner and 'Boulder to Birmingham,. The former featured excellent guitar playing from Will Kimbrough. There was an amazing gospel number 'Help Him Jesus' that really had the band on fire. Throughout Eamon McLoughlin on mandolin and fiddle was outstanding - I am not sure I have mandolin solos as good as his before. I see that the setlist varies a lot between the UK gigs - what a star to do that at 79!
Phil Madeira, on keys, Will Kimbrough, guitar, Chris Donohue, bass, and Bryan Owings on drums, Eamon McLoughlin on fiddle and mandolin.
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