Friday Funbag:: Ruth Minnikin & Kelly Sloan

Last night I trooped on down to Gus' Pub to check out Kelly Sloan's CD release show. Her record - Always Changes (review) - is a nicely polished, mature sounding country roots effort, and last night she took the stage with some (ok, a lot) of her friends.

The songs came to life live -thanks to some nice bass lines, accordion, electric guitar and of course Kinley Dowling's fantastic violin- and had a much bigger sound than I expected. Kelly definitely had fun up there, joking with the crowd and her band, but there is no doubt she's a solid performer and hopefully people pick up her record.

I have to be honest though. I was probably more excited to check out Ruth Minnikin since she's sitting on a new record (Depend on This) and I figured she'd have to play a few new ones to warm up the crowd. She did - one based on the classic German folk tale, Bremen Town Musicians that sounded amazing- and she also threw in a terrific Eric's Trip cover (Sun Coming Up)... so I can't complain at all.

All in all, a very impressive night of music from two Halifax female performers.

Labels: Canada, Halifax, Music