I first heard Joe Newberry at the Transatlantic Sessions Concert at Celtic Connections in 2016, this performance prompted me to buy tickets the moment I spotted he was back at Celtic Connections 2017 this time with Mike Compton in the Tron Theatre.
It was some time later that I discovered that the Dundee Acoustic Music Club had pulled off the coup of bringing the duo to Dundee for one of their three Scottish dates as part of their current UK tour.
Any misgivings about catching their act two days in a row were soon dispelled. Joe’s singing, guitar playing, song writing and banjo playing retained all the qualities that I remembered from the first performance. Then add in Mike Compton’s sizzling mandolin and their combined harmony and it was clear that this combination was a real winner.
There are times when you catch an act and it is that an act. This however is that real deal abundantly clear that acting is not needed Compton and Newberry clearly are themselves, loving what they do, enjoying each other’s company providing the perfect , playing to each other’s strengths.
Mike Compton’s Mandolin style is firmly rooted in the Bill Monroe mandolin style. Monroe, bluegrass pioneer often used blues scales in his playing. (Monroe was described by Mike Marshall as “in his day as groundbreaking on the mandolin as Hendrix was later to the guitar)”. Mike Compton does all this with aplomb but takes it even further in Charlie Bowman and the Hilbillies East Tennessee Blues, Monroe’s Rocky Road Blues, and the Mississippi Sheiks Sittin’ on top of the world.
Joe Newberry’s rip ‘em up frailing banjo alongside Compton’s breakneck instrumentals propelled these tunes somehow never cluttered, they made this look deceptively easy. Joe’s songs with delicate mandolin backing demonstrated a thoughtful take on life, a wisdom and understanding.
It was hard to believe that such a varied palate of sounds could be created by two people. The duo’s ability to pace their set and choose material to suit the moment demonstrated their deep knowledge of the tradition. Drawing on songs composed as far back as 1926, material by the Stanley Brothers, Bruce Molsky, Frank Stokes, Deford Bailey, Gibson Brothers, Tommy Jarrell and the wonderfully titled Skillet Lickers.
A wonderful afternoon of music hosted by the Dundee Acoustic Music Club, special mention must also be made to the excellent sound quality provided by sound engineer for the afternoon – Andy Spiller. Thanks.
Some exciting announcements to come about future concerts.