Angel Snow and Ben Glover, Jumpin Hot Club, Live Theatre, Newcastle

NASHVILLE-based singer-songwriter girl Angel Snow, in the company of fellow act, Co Antrim-born and raised Ben Glover, brought to the stage a bunch of well-crafted songs. Snow and Glover have not seen success as recording acts, but their material has powered hits for Alison Krauss and Union Station, Mary Gauthier, Gretchen Peters and Amy Speace – the list in Glover’s case grows daily.

Sitting together with acoustic guitar in their hands, it was Snow who opened with Fortune Tellers, her warm southern tone impressing and looked well set for the evening. Glover came through with his Irish brogue to win over the audience with songs that spoke of the Mississippi Delta, as he recalled visiting the grave of blues legend Robert Johnson in Greenwood.

Snow’s sensitive songs dealt with vulnerable hearts while Glover’s tales of lost souls drifted between pop, folk and country – on one occasion I was reminded of the music of the late Eva Cassidy. Snow’s vocals may vie towards warm and soft, but when she utilises her southern roots her material comes over stronger particularly with songs like These Days and Lie Awake.

Glover’s firm, and slightly rough-edged vocals gave his material great authenticity and firm belief that his solo career is on the up.

Closing the show was an interesting duet version of Bob Dylan’s You’re Gonna Make Me Lonesome from Blood On The Tracks. U2’s All I Want Is You followed, as they obliged with a finely-performed encore. And to think they only started performing together ten days earlier

Maurice Hope