I have long been a fan of Kathy Mattea and got a chance to meet her a few years ago at a Swannanoa Music Gathering in NC. What impressed me was how down-to-earth and forthcoming she was.
Last weekend I saw Mattea perform at the Bull Run Restaurant, Shirley MA. The show was called “Acoustic Living Room” and featured Mattea on vocals and guitar and Bill Cooley on guitar.
It was a treat to hear her sing with this pared down instrumentation – rather than with her full band backing her up. Mattea is not only a gifted singer, she is a top-notch entertainer and storyteller and knows how to reach out, grab the audience and hold onto them, so that everyone is with her no matter where she goes.
Listening to Bill Cooley on guitar was a lovely experience in its own right. Bill is known in Nashville as a guitarists’ guitarist and it was easy to hear why. His finger-style guitar arrangements were stunning and a perfect accompaniment to her strong rhythm playing.
Truly a great night.
Jennifer