BIRMINGHAM: Kitchen Garden Cafe

Wednesday 25th October, 2023

7:30pm

Event information

"Somewhere in the heartlands, in a town called 'Americana USA,' nestles a particular variety of singer songwriter. Someone who views a melodic sensibility through the bottom of a whiskey glass. Canadian songstress Lynne Hanson could run for mayor of that town." (R2 Magazine - 5 stars).

Too tough for folk and too blues-influenced for country, Lynne Hanson’s brand of porch music with a little red dirt can turn on a dime from a sunshine, blue sky ballad to a full on thunderstorm of gritty Americana swamp from one song to the next. Her hard living music has garnered her the nickname “Canada’s Queen of Americana.” And while her deep, bluesy croon has drawn comparisons to Lucinda Williams and Gillian Welch, it’s the poetry of her lyrics that really sets her apart.

“A contemporary blend of both mainstream hip & retro musicality … Her voice potentiates popular music with modern sensitivity that’s effective & assertive … Lynne Hanson is that good an artist.” (Americana Highways).

Hanson is known for her high energy, roots guitar driven live performances, whether playing solo or with her band the Good Intentions. She has an uncanny way of connecting with her audience with an authenticity that is as entertaining as it is disarming. Her sense of humour and spontaneity as a storyteller is likely honed from years of competing with eight older siblings for attention at the dinner table. And speaking of tables, don’t be surprised if she hops up on one at a concert to play unplugged for a song or two!

“On stage Hanson has a wonderful charm and disarming sense of humour … a spontaneity and honesty that enchants.” (Americana UK).

The prolific songwriter has released eight studio albums along with two books of poetry over her 16 year solo career. She’s toured extensively across North America, Europe and the UK, and appeared at leading international festivals including Take Root (Netherlands), Glasgow Americana (Scotland), Maverick Festival (UK), Kerrville Folk Festival (US), and Winnipeg Folk Festival (Canada). She has also toured as support for Grammy-nominated artists like Gretchen Peters, Steve Forbert and Albert Lee.

“That performance from Lynne Hanson was worth waiting for. It was different, yet mightily satisfying for those hooked in the magnetic appeal of songwriters sharing their valued craft. It underlined the versatility of this Canadian who you feel could grace any arena in a folk, country and rock scene.” (Three Chords And The Truth (UK)).

Lynne Hanson released her ninth album Ice Cream In November in April 2022.