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Victoria Wai enjoys a spellbinding stripped-back show from the Scottish multi-instrumentalist
Image: Brooke Combe by Victoria Wai
There was definitely something in the air in Hartlepool when Brooke Combe stripped back her soulful tones to the bare bones, joined by Danny Murphy on guitar on this acoustic tour. The audience became her backing vocalists along with Danny as we started with the song the tour is named after, This Town.
Ahead of Brooke, we had two local artists – Charlotte Grayson with her quirky lyrics about breakups with added kebabs and coffee, and the jazzy tones and love songs from Marina Josephina – both of whom set up the night brilliantly.
This intimate setting felt so full as everyone was fully engaged in Brooke’s performance. Her personality and performance filled the room with songs from last year’s album, Dancing At The Edge Of The World, and a cover of Barbara Lynn’s You’re Losing Me, which got the crowd very hyped up. We were also treated to two new songs, Tears Won’t Lie and It’s Not Over. Brooke requested no filming for the latter, and everyone obliged. Although phones were up now and then for the first time in a long time, it was not noticeable as the crowd were one of the most respectful ones I have ever noticed. To see the room so still and transfixed on the stage is pure magic. With the captivating lyrics of How Can I Tell You How To Love Me More, and the resounding chorus of the sold-out crowd at The Studio singing back to her, Brooke Combe’s power was palpable.
