The Herald

Review 23 April 2001

Music

Amy Rigby, The State Bar, Glasgow Richard Bull

Scotland's pubs and smaller venues are becoming happily accustomed to visits by independent talent from across the Atlantic, thanks to the daring of small promoters in it for anything but the money. On Friday Amy Rigby, halfway through a mini-tour of Scotland (Falkirk the night before, Glenfargs the night after), played the glamorous downstairs room at Glasgow's State Bar.

Following the warmly atmospheric songs of local support Fran Schoppler, former New Yorker Rigby played a set loaded with cynicism and often outright malice. But don't despair: also evident were a fine grasp of pop music, an openly carnal streak, and a hearty helping of drollery.

Her excellent new album The Sugar Tree features a volley of rockin' Nashville musicians, but here she had only her off-centre voice and her percussive, spirited guitar. She coped charmingly. Pop vibes resounded and jokes flowed, mostly aimed at drummers - the profession of her ex-husband.

This mix of autobiography and wit is what makes Rigby so appealing. Great songs on the night included Beer & Kisses, about what happens in a marriage after these ingredients have gone flat, and Invisible, about reaching the age when men just stop noticing. But as the merry audience reaction attested, these songs communicate anything but defeat. The highlight was the riotous Rode Hard, about getting straight back up, despite the pressure to stay down.

We could soon be hearing the Dixie Chicks cover one of Rigby's true tales of life and lust. Hopefully the subsequent riches won't stop her coming back for further tours round Scotland's pubs.