FIRSTLY, let’s get one thing straight – Old Man Luedecke, real name Chris Luedecke – is not an old man, he’s a young man with an old soul; a cute, button-moon face, glasses and a mass of facial hair. His only old-man traits are a flat cap, a red waistcoat and a style that’s a throwback to a more simple time.
This soft-spoken guy from Halifax, Nova Scotia, won a Juno award in 2009 for Best Roots/Solo Album and he’s up for another this year with his brand new album My Hands are On Fire and Other Love Songs.
Leudecke is a singer songwriter and banjo player extraordinaire. He channels a refreshing energy from folk giants like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger into his memorable melodies to make a style of his own.
In the breaks between songs come wild and charming stories of meeting heroes, musings on things ridiculous and, all the time, his fingers are deftly pickin’ the banjo. His infectious, foot-stomping performance certainly caught the attention of a packed audience in Stainton Village Hall. It’s definitely hats off to the Highlights rural touring scheme for finding such a fabulous performer.
Highlights is a network of 90 volunteer groups who cover Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland. Tickets are under £10, so travel if necessary, you won’t be disappointed.
* Sunday, Dent Village Hall, 7.30pm. 015396-25022.
Helen Brown
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