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Eve Selis

Venue: The Sage
Town: Gateshead
Date: 19th June
Website: http://www.eveselis.com

Almost seven years ago to the week, a love affair between Eve Selis and The Sage Gateshead began, back at the very first SummerTyne Americana Festival. Tonight she had almost sold out Hall 2, now an annual occurrence, despite the fact that tonight Ron Sexmith and Holly Williams were playing in Hall 1. (We wouldn't sell out on her, even if, as she joked, her husband said he would!)

There had been much speculation as to who the support act may be; what a wonderful surprise when Eve and the band came straight out on stage, saying that if it suited us they'd play two sets - heck yeah it suited us! When Eve says she is glad to be back here you know it comes from the heart and that a great night is in store.

The Eve Selis band are exceptional, comprising; Marc 'Twang' Intovaia on guitar, 'Cactus' Jim Soldi (who toured with Johnny Cash) on guitar, Rick Nash on guitar and Larry Grano on drums. A little shoutout to Sharon Whyte, whose keyboard prowess was sadly missed this year as she couldn't be here for this tour. Hopefully next year…?!

Launching immediately into She Eve reminded us why we love that voice so much, as she instantly pulled the audience, old and new, into the palm of her hands. I find when she sings that song live, I have such an image in my mind of who 'she' is.

Bump in the Road was accompanied by Eve doing a crazy dance across the stage, before we got to hear some of the fantastic new material from her Twang EP with Berkley Hart, who you may recall opened the shows last summer. The 5 track EP is available through www.eveselis.com, as download only, and is well worth adding to your collection.

A stunning version of a song Eve has loved since she was 18, Cat Stevens' Don't Be Shy, followed. She made it completely her own, fitting since the sound and sentiment are so well suited to her. If you're reading this, Eve, you need to record it…don't be shy!

This was followed by stunning versions of Crying Days, and Those Words We Said, written by the great Kim Richey, which again she makes totally her own. One of her many gifts certainly lies her ability to interpret other people's songs, with as much feeling and expression as she puts into her own.

When is Everything Enough, aka' The Tiger Woods song' followed, allowing Marc and Jim to provide some great harmonies. Then we were asked to sing along for Someday, as we all sang, Eve said she'd like to sing all night if that was okay. A unanimous shout of 'Yeah' echoed around the room. This is one of the songs where at times watching the hands leap across the guitars becomes quite distracting; they make it look so effortless. It is truly mesmerising.

During Water off a Duck's Back, duck noises were created on guitars; genius! As Eve sang 'Quack Quack,' she made beak actions with her hands; that can't be something The Sage sees often! I know we often use the phrase 'Mad as a box of frogs;' in Eve's case maybe it is 'Mad as a pond of ducks?!' Larry never stops smiling as he keeps beat for the band with the drums, you can't help but smile when you see him. It always seems only right, given Jim's time with him that a song by the Man in Black be played; a rocking version of Folsom Prison Blues allowed the whole band to really show off their talents. There seemed something serendipitous about hearing a Johnny Cash song sung on the same stage where Rosanne Cash performed just a few months ago. It really makes you realise how lucky we are to have The Sage and these experiences is gives us.

After a short break, Eve announced they think we should have a sleepover next time…now there's an idea…Sage?!

Another new song from the EP kicked off the second half, Burning Light. Eve eloquently explained how it came about as a result of a conversation about how people are reluctant to share love and its light. If we have light and light another do both lose light, or do both shine brightly and make the world more beautiful? Typical of Eve and I would like to think we all shone our lights brightly in Hall 2. Marc and his harmonica created a beautiful sound as the song drew to a close.

Angels and Eagles was followed by 65 Roses, One Day at a Time (great advice!), which alongside some stunning guitar licks, featured Larry on chest and head bongo. One of mine, and I know Eve's favourite, not to mention most requested, songs came next; Pocket Full of Stones always sends a ripple of emotion around the audience. Telling us about a book she had bought of English ghosts, she told us about their famous San Diego ghost; Kate Morgan of the Hotel del Coronado, was the inspiration for The Ballad of Kate Morgan, and I think tonight was the best it has ever sounded. Once again, Larry delivered his verse perfectly. At the end, Eve stepped to the edge of the stage and sang a capella. Exquisite and so full of emotion. I recently read a book about Kate Morgan and I have to say it is a compelling story.

Asking us to join in with Crazy, she commented 'You're so good, ' before, as they opened Rubber and Glue, Larry teased us, 'I know what you're thinking…' I won't give away which well known song it sounded like.

Thanking us and promising to see us next year, the set ended with a brilliant version of Stop The Train. The lyrics are very cleverly written. After making us work for an encore, we had no idea what they had saved for last. Magic, as it turned out. Outsinging Leonard Cohen himself, Eve delivered the most incredible version of Hallelujah I have ever heard. She squeezes every ounce of meaning, feeling and emotion out of that song, which could have been written for her vocals. Asking us to join in, she stopped so we could sing the chorus. As a wave of 'Hallelujahs' filled the room, Eve smiled as she joined back in. Suddenly the magic moment that room was made for happened. As we all sang that iconic song together, we were united by music; it was Eve, us and the band in that very special room and everything outside just disappeared. Incredible and a poignant reminder of why I love live music so much.

All too soon it was over and we had to say our farewells for another year; not before they all had a chat outside and Jim even shared some Johnny Cash stories. Not only are they incredibly talented, they are genuinely lovely people…I think people have sensed this from that very first performance here. So, until next summer, Eve, let's agree to all keep those lights shining, since I think we lit them during Hallelujah…at least we can stay connected through the music until then!

Helen Mitchell