As big fans of Kezia Gill, we try not to miss any appearance. Yes, she’s that good, believe me. So tonight, its different, an informal setting with just Kezia on stage with guitar and keyboard, and of course WHISKEY, with the story of her career so far. I say so far as no doubt that Kezia has not yet reached the heights that she undoubtedly will in the future. What a great night. It was a real eye-opener to the determination and ups and downs to get where she is now, told with humour and tears. As a fan, finding out that some songs we thought we knew the meaning of meant a completely different thing, is what this type of night is all about, fascinating.

Kezia’s voice is as usual superb, and the good crowd who turned up on this cold, weekday night, were treated to stories about her own long-distance relationship with her now husband, and how everything at last seemed to be coming together. Invited by a big producer who wanted her to be his next Grammy winner, a company who wanted to grow her talent, and a pending deal, but, she had to move to Nashville, no problem. But then her father was diagnosed with terminal cancer, only to pass three weeks later, and the pressure to stay for her mother, and then wham Covid! That changed everything, she recalled, before singing an emotional, as always, rendition of ‘Local Man’s Star’, about her father’s own singing career and his effect on a young Kezia’s life and ambition to become a singer. There were tears of course, and not only Kezia’s, always tissues at hand.

It was a very fascinating night, and all of us would leave into the cold Brum night with a deeper love and understanding of Kezia Gill and her music, as witnessed by the very long queue to say hello to her after, having photos and signing merch. All we can say is hurry up with another full band tour and hopefully a new album to follow the excellent ‘Misfit’.

Photos by Geoff Griffe
Review by Jenny Griffe