An Angel Warrior from Texas in Killer Red Heels.
Amanda Shires graced Dublin’s Ambassador Theatre with her presence last night. A subtly lit stage, reminiscent of a Berlin or New York basement Jazz club, provided the backdrop for an evening of music and conversation. It’s rare to see Amanda perform with just her fiddle, powerful vocals, and Daniel Byers on piano and keys. This felt like a listening room transported straight from Nashville.
Throughout the evening, she reminded the audience that the darkness in her music has been part of a healing process for her, noting that listening to sad songs can often make us feel hopeful.
She took time to engage with the audience, sharing funny stories about driving and navigating roundabouts in Ireland, as well as joking about protecting the golden hands of her uber-talented pianist and keyboard player, Daniel Byers.
Mimosas made on stage were shared with Fiona, the birthday girl, followed by a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” that reinforced the intimacy of the occasion. Personal song favourites included “Hawk for the Dove,” “Highwomen,” and “Look Like a Bird,” and the heartfelt “Streetlights and Stars”
The musicianship was flawless, seamlessly shifting from intimate vocals to soaring fiddle solos and engaging call-and-response passages with Daniel on keys.
Towards the end of the set Amanda performed two wonderful songs on the Ukulele , with a white Top and Denim Jeans and the killer red heels the Texan sat on a barstool in true Bluebird Cafe style, No encore was needed for this perfect and memorable set.
Kenan Flannery was the support act, and it was excellent to see local talent from Cabra taking the stage. His opening number felt like a bluegrass version of Luke Kelly hitting a honky-tonk.
Encouraging audience participation, he united the crowd with a stress-busting refrain of “F** O**” Highlights included the lyrics of “Fare Thee Well” paired with the impressive fingerpicking on “Freight Train.”
Keenan also introduced us to the “lesbian guitar chord” beautiful,but quite distant and shared a story about falling in love with a lesbian who worked in a record store.
Kenan Flannery photos:
Amanda Shires photos:
Photos & words – Wayne Polley @hawkeye_polley_photography