Jenny Colquitt - Brindley Theatre, Runcorn - 15th October 2021

15th October 2021 feels like it will go down as a significant date in the history of my live music attendance.

 

One of the silver linings from the cloud of the last couple of years has been my discovery of the music of Jenny Colquitt. Jenny is a wonderfully gifted singer songwriter from Widnes in the top left corner of Cheshire. I was wowed by her voice the very first time I heard it and I became an instant fan. Jenny has released two EP albums to date and her debut full length album is out in November, something I am very much looking forward to.

I just knew that I would have to see Jenny live at the first chance I got and her “home” gig across the river in Runcorn seemed like the perfect choice. The Brindley Theatre is an excellent location for live music with lighting and sound quality absolutely top notch.

The evening started with a brilliant 30 minute support set from Liverpool's Esme Bridie. A name I have to admit I had not come across in the past but her meaningful vocals and clever guitar playing provided a brilliant prelude to what was to come.

After a short interval, it was time for Jenny Colquitt to enter the stage. What followed was an absolute masterclass of music. Effortlessly moving between guitar, harmonica and keyboard accompaniment, Jenny wowed everyone in attendance with her wonderful lyrics and extraordinary vocals. 

Jenny writes from the heart on a variety of subjects and her songs about mental health are particularly meaningful for me personally, having known people who have struggled with this in the past. I was also moved to have one of my favourite songs Poetry of You sung for me. Thanks Jenny, it was a special moment that I will remember for a long time. 

The absolute cherry on the top of the cake was the encore - Jenny's stunning cover of Sting's "Fields of Gold". I don't make such comparisons lightly but I couldn't help but be reminded of Eva Cassidy's version of this song - one of the all time great voices in my opinion.

After having watched many of Jenny's internet streams, it was something of a surreal moment to actually see Jenny perform - in 3D as it were! It's an amazing feeling to have had such high expectations for an event truly and utterly exceeded. Months of anticipation in the build up to this and it was honestly one of the best gigs I've ever been to.

As well as the forthcoming release of her debut album, Jenny also has more music coming out soon as lead singer of the band ELY. There is plenty to look forward to in the next few months.

I can't wait to see what the next few years hold for this talented singer songwriter. The sky's the limit.