Mary Gauthier

Venue: Bush Hall 
Date: Thursday 11 October 2012

In 2010 Mary Gauthier, (That’s Go-Shay y’all.),  recorded her most recent studio album, “The Foundling”, like all of her music, is a response to a life that includes her illegitimate birth, being adopted by a dysfunctional family andcoming out as HIV positive, first hitting the scene, and drug & alcohol addiction. 

It’s an album of songs which need to be listened to rather than just heard. So when sales failed to match expectations, you can understand that Mary took this personally. Personally enough to remove every studio mandated fiddle, bell and tambourine and to re-issue it at her own expense as “The Foundling Alone”, turning the songs into a stronger, more honest experience in the process. 

She uses this same stripped down approach on her new album, “Live at Blue Rock” which was being promoted at the Bush Hall last week. Two mics, (Mary was joined at one point by support act, Ben Glover), a table for a mouth organ and an empty guitar case are all that adorn the stage because we are lucky enough to be listening to a performer confident of their own ability to captivate with the minimum of fuss. 

Notes from a well ‘loved’ guitar, (The poor thing is covered in scuffs and scratches), the confidence to inhabit songs and a dry sense of self deprecating humour are all that is needed to bring to life the stories in those songs. Stories which most of us would rather experience through the medium of song, dance, tapestry even - anything barr first hand knowledge, but that simple, honest playing style and humour show that it is possible to come out the other side not only still standing but happy.

Along the way we learn why it is important to keep your empty guitar case with you on stage - singing about compassion for those who have wronged you, “Mercy Now”, doesn’t always go down well in Texas, even if you are singing about your own family. That moment where you suddenly see your lover as the rest of the world sees them, a psychopathic narcissist, (“Sweet Words” - both songs from “The Foundling”), and how she was once voted gay country singer of the year (then claimed the award was probably invented for her). 

Actually Mary is a pukka award winning singer songwriter, the title track of “Drag Queens and Limousines” received the award for Best Folk/Singer-Songwriter song at the first Annual Independent Music Awards in 1999,  in 2002 “Filth & Fire” was named Best Indy CD of the Year in the New York Times no less, and Mary was named Best Country Music Artist at the Gay and Lesbian American Music Awards in the same year.  

We’re also introduced to two new songs, (‘Can’t guarantee the songs but I can guarantee they’re not happy songs.’), plus “Cigarette Machine”, a beautifully bitter-sweet song about a love affair with Class A’s, and “The Rocket”, which are both on “Live at Blue Rock”, telling a story of love and rejection.  

A new studio album was hinted at and a song has been recorded recorded for a TV series, “Nashville” which if it’s picked up by the networks means Mary ‘Will get a  new car, but don’t spend the money ‘til the cheque arrives!’
 
It’s a clever thing, the quiet intimacy of this person telling stories of a difficult life, whilst appearing utterly comfortable in their own skin. It sucks you into believing that you’re sitting in your own front room, sharing with a friend and wondering how they did it. Makes for an utterly beguiling evening.

The tour lasts until the end of October with dates in the Netherlands and Italy. The chance to get to know a performer you may never have seen before and who will leave you a little in awe of herself, is well worth the fare.


Laura Alexander - Arts Reviewer