Josh Ritter/Kate Walsh - Academy 2 - 18/11/07 by Richard Graham

Josh Ritter is an American singer-songwriter in the vein of Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. With fans all over the world the critically acclaimed musician recently took his latest album (The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter) on a UK and Ireland tour.

Support came from English folk singer Kate Walsh and opening the show to a half empty Academy 2 the up and coming talent of Walsh was the perfect support for Ritter. No stranger to Manchester the quirky Brightonian recently became the number one album on I-Tunes; largely due to the mass appeal of her downloaded single Your Song. Being her debut album it was quickly described as a quiet revolution and listening to the beautifully crafted songs in a solo acoustic performance the audience were transfixed. Endearing herself to the crowd with tales of fireworks and Frenchmen she led us through the album (Tim’s House) and whilst there was no doubt that Your Song shone for most of the crowd there were more than enough gems to convert the casual listener.

Ritter was the headliner though and without doubt the musician the audience wanted to watch. As the dapper band took to the stage to what was still only half full venue the audience erupted with a staggering amount of noise. Looking around the room at the mainly middle aged crowd, mixed with young couples, there was no doubt that his fan base was out in force.

Opening with the track Moons from his latest album it was quickly apparent the foot tappers and head nodders were united in their admiration of Ritter; the feeling, it seemed was mutual. Mixing a few upbeat country-rock numbers with in-between banter he settled into a lively set list but a few songs into the gig the lights dipped and the stage was bathed in blue. Introducing fan favourite Here at the Right Time things suddenly slowed down; with the days of waving lighters long gone (and probably illegal with the smoking ban anyways…) the audience, not being the type to wave mobile phones sang along with adoration to the folk anthem.

A beautiful moment it was one of the highlights of the night and an indication of how the rest of the set would follow. Ritter, forever upbeat and a man who genuinely seemed to love his craft, endearingly led us from foot tapping swing your partner by the hips moments, to sing-a-long anthems via digressions involving David Attenborough, mutant potatoes, Lord of the Flies and shopping in The Arndale. Whilst at times it did go very middle of the road (with many of the couples embracing as they sang to each other) Ritter and his band kept the momentum going and at one point produced a sing-a-long with the audience that involved them making fish noises.

Whilst it was definitely bizarre, it certainly brought a smile to the entire room before the band settled down again with the beautiful Empty Hearts quickly followed by another fan favourite Kathleen. After finishing up with Come and Find Me, Ritter left the stage after thanking the audience with such a genuine smile and sincerity it made it a near certainty the crowd would clamour to have him do an encore.

After making the floor literally shake with their demands they got their way and the band quickly returned for a climax that involved an excellent acoustic song that at times went disco. Ritter then excelled at conducting the crowd through a Hey Jude style moment that was the perfect finish to the night. Walking off the stage after taking a bow the band seemed pleased and there was no doubt what the audience thought – they had loved every minute.

Overall this was the sound of a talented artist on stage and having fun. No pretension, just smiles and good songs with endearing tales that elevated the enjoyment of the night. At times the set was too middle of the road and but Ritter’s digressions and fun loving nature saved the night from too many James Blunt moments.