Just before lockdown, relentless folk duo O’Hooley & Tidow was fortunate to complete their Gentleman Jack tour. It would be the last taste of live music for 2020, but as a stroke of good fortune, their gig at St. George’s in Bristol was recorded – and is now released as 'Live at St. George’s'.
From the opening bars, when we hear the audience applause to the closing notes, it’s a stark reminder of just how sad it is to truly miss the flourish and flair of a live performance.
O’Hooley and Tidow, as a highly regarded folk duo, deliver songs full of character and characters. From the acclaimed ‘Gentleman Jack’ – the hit theme song from the acclaimed HBO/BBC drama of the same name, to the wonderful, spirited women such as female champion cyclist from the 1950s Beryl Burton, to the 19th century Yorkshire landowner and diarist Anne Lister – their compositions are often character studies of women in history who broke boundaries and broke the codes of conventionality.
Then, there’s ‘Ronnie’s Song’ – a reminder of our own humanity, the scorn afforded to a lesser soul as he goes about his business, mocked and ridiculed. O’Hooley and Tidow remind us to be kind, to be human, to show compassion.
These songs are full of heart, humanity, fun and in true folk form, shift from the love of nature and the natural world to the strength and courage of the women who formed us, such as ‘Two Mothers’ and ‘Small, Big Love’. In fact, this latter was written for the couple’s wedding by Mercury nominated artist Kathryn Williams.
Despite the occasional tongue-in-cheek Northern cheekiness and sense of mischief, O’Hooley and Tidow are both highly accomplished musicians and composers. Their memorable melodies and the audience’s reactions shine throughout this live performance. The buzz and live energy reaches out reminding us somewhat nostalgically of what we’re missing in terms of live music. Long may it reign, and come back stronger than ever!
In fact, after the recording, Belinda O’Hooley said
Our concert at St. George’s was one of the most memorable of our career, playing their gorgeous Steinway Model D piano to a completely sold out audience. The atmosphere that night was incredible and one that will stay in our hearts forever. We’re so glad we recorded it.
Thirteen tracks, rounding off with the infamous ‘Gentleman Jack’, to rapturous applause, is certainly memorable. The album is dedicated to the couple’s little boy Flynn. With so much love wrapped up in this album, clearly, he is a lucky little boy.
O’Hooley and Tidow’s ‘Live at St George’s’ is out now. If you’re missing live music, then this is the next best thing.