Live Review

Caitlin Rose – Captain’s Rest, Glasgow

• 2nd Oct 2010

Caitlin Rose is talented. No, make that very talented. And the 23 year old American showed during a set that disappointed only in its brevity that the big time cannot be too far away.

Young Caitlin strode confidently onto the small stage last night dressed country style, all denim and cowboy boots, with a pair of sunglasses perched incongruously on her head. But the hot and overcrowded room in the basement of a Glasgow pub must have felt a million miles from her Nashville home.

She began by explaining that she had just come from a radio session and had to be on TV later in the evening. That meant there was little chat during the 25 minute set, but Caitlin did enough to show how just comfortable she is in the spotlight with the occasional joke.

Eight songs were crammed into the set, mostly from Caitlin Rose’s excellent debut album, Own Side Now. It was slightly rushed at times perhaps, but she entertained with a wistful and folky air that had just enough of a country twang to show her roots.

And when Caitlin did extend herself the effect was quite stunning. The power of her voice gave just a glimpse of what she is capable of, soaring and beautiful in its perfection. You could almost see the front row lean back just a little as she threatened to overwhelm the small space with the clarity and beauty of her delivery.

Learning to Ride and Own Side started the show off nicely, Caitlin’s finger picking style on a Gibson acoustic providing soft accompaniment to her voice. Shotgun Wedding from her Dead Flowers EP followed, and then it was back to the album for Spare Me and Sinful Wishing Well.

Shanghai Cigarettes was a highlight, delivered in a melancholy yet earnest manner, telling of heartbreak and despair with an air of sincerity that belied her youthfulness. And the closing New York was quite outstanding; its jaunty tone and, at times, humorous lyrics ending the show on a real high.

Caitlin Rose deserves a much bigger stage than she had last night. She seemed constrained by the physical limitations as her talent filled the room. But with the ability she possesses it cannot be long before she is playing to much bigger audiences as a headliner.

Caitlin Rose is a name we will be hearing a great deal more of in the very near future.