Arriving in Nottingham on the last date of their UK tour, Pearl Charles & Co set The Bodega alight with a good old-fashioned American Folk jam – with a modern twist...
Pearl Charles' UK tour had been triggered by the high number of streams from the country. Her set was preceded by lead guitarist Michael Rault coming on stage solo, to present a unique twangy picking style armed with an old-school Fender Stratocaster giving that classic country sound to support and warm up the crowd.
After that, it was time for the headliner. With a band behind her that has been playing together for five years, Pearl took to the stage. The crowd of around 150 filled the dancefloor accompanied by a disco ball above their heads ready for a boogie. That's exactly what they got as Pearl Charles ran through her songs as if she had been around a campfire with her friends.
After pausing for a brief drink of single vodka, stating that "as musicians it was all they could afford", the band kicked off their set with a rendition of her most popular song Only For Tonight, which seemed to captivate the audience. This pop-folk song was performed to perfection with dark and almost nihilistic lyrics hidden perfectly in a dancey, disco-inspired instrumental. It was music for dancing but also music for bridging the gap in hearts.
For most of the night, no one could take their eyes off her as she sang her heart out. Her tunes ran like a soundtrack to a feel-good movie with themes of perseverance and positivity. Personally, it took me on a journey that taught me to dance through sorrow and pain.
Pearl and her band ended the set with new unreleased songs giving those in attendance something special to end the night with.
All in all, an amazing show, and for those who haven't seen Pearl Charles yet, I would highly recommend it. This may be difficult for a while as their next shows are in Los Angeles and Portland, USA, but if any readers are planning to be in those parts of the world, then tickets are as low as $17 - a true bargain. Let's hope Pearl Charles comes back to Nottingham again soon.
Pearl Charles performed at The Bodega on 15th October 2024.
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