The second Midlands Festival is marked by a change of venue, bigger crowds and a subtle shift in direction, away from a strict country emphasis, towards a broader palette of mainly rootsy fare.
Despite a forecast to the contrary, it rained for about four hours non-stop on day one, threatening to turn the site into a quagmire. Thankfully, things never became too dire thanks to a plentiful supply of straw, wood-chippings and gravel. Ironically, the rain stopped just as the Waterboys took the stage. The perfect festival band, they turned in a storming set with highlights including ‘Fisherman’s Blues’ and ‘Glastonbury Song’.
Meanwhile, over in the big tent, Richard Thompson (who by rights should have been on the main stage) had the crowd in the palm of his hand throughout a set that included ‘Walking On A Wire’, ‘I Want To See The Bright Lights Tonight’ and his anti-war polemic ‘Dad’s Gonna Kill Me’.
Back outside earlier on, Aimee Mann’s soothing adult pop might have fared better under canvas than out in the rain, but she delivered a near-perfect performance all the same.
As did the great Steve Earle, who delivered his usual blend of banter and great songs – the highlight being the rollicking ‘Copperhead Road’.
By contrast, day two saw blue skies and plenty of bare flesh. The Hillbilly All-Stars (essentially a hook-up between The Mavericks and BR-549) got things off to a flying start with a rousing set of country standards, and a guest appearance from the great Jim Lauderdale. Richmond Fontaine - the only alt-country act on the bill - blazed without mercy.
Of the big name headliners, Glen Campbell pretty much replicated last year’s performance with a greatest hits selection, while Kris Kristofferson may well be a legend and a great songwriter, but is hardly the kind of performer to set the crowds alight.
Still, he was met with a rapturous (if respectful) reception.
Home-grown acts more than held their own over the weekend, with the big names Christy Moore, Paul Brady, Hothouse Flowers and the ever-popular Mundy proving just as popular as the visitors. As did Luan Parle and Bray Vista, who won plenty of fans with fine sets.
But the performer of the weekend had to be the wonderful Gillian Welch who, along with guitarist/partner Dave Rawlings, got deeper into the heart and soul of American music than anyone else on songs like ‘Time The Revelator’, ‘Elvis Presley Blues’ and ‘Miss Ohio’.
When they hit their stride, it’s an awesome sight to behold – do yourself a favour, if you haven’t yet caught up with her!
A fantastic two days of music, then. Midlands has, in a very short time, set the highest of standards for itself. Let’s hope they keep it that way.