Madison Violet: Jumpin Hot Club, Live Theatre, Newcastle

CANADIAN duo Madison Violet (Brenley MacEachern and Lisa MacIsaac) drew a good crowd on their return to the area, their tight harmony vocals, alternating lead and a generally well-rehearsed, no frills good ol’ solid entertainment went down a treat.

Of the two accomplished musicians, MacIsaac swapped between acoustic, electric guitar, and mandolin, while MacEachern held down the role of the main vocalist. At times, the show was so intimate that talk and jokes were exchanged between Madison Violet and the audience it was as if the theatre was an extension of the girls’ living room.

The Woodshop about the tragic death of MacEachern’s brother was one of the many stories/anecdotes shared during two sets as the evening ran like a well-greased machine. Once they gave us Ohio and We Are Famous the floodgates opened. MacEachern’s tale of when she went to see fellow Canadian Neil Young's gig only for him to perform nothing from her all-time favourite album Harvest and how the song Tennessee came about, were fond moments.

The bluegrass of You don’t Know What You Miss Till It’s Gone and Cryin’ You Eyes Out led to a recollection of when they were known as Mad Violet. A strong version of Haight Ashbury produced something special for their fans with this version sounding better live than on record. The merchandise table had two new albums, plus woolly hats made by MacEachern’s mother. With encore and requests out of the way they edged to the front of the stage to perform an un-plugged finale.

Maurice Hope