Invited Review by V. Brewster
On Thursday evening, Sunderland’s Fire Station warmly welcomed the captivating talents of Eddi Reader, with a spellbinding opening from MG Boulter, delivering a night filled with charm, humour, and outstanding musicianship.
Opening the night was MG Boulter, whose vocal tone effortlessly merged the heartfelt clarity of James Blunt with the soulful depth reminiscent of Noah Kahan. Boulter’s unique, percussive style of guitar playing immediately caught the audience’s attention. His fingerpicking was not only technically impressive but also emotionally impactful, gracefully complementing his vocals and creating the illusion of multiple guitarists sharing the stage. His song “Night Work” resonated powerfully, carrying the raw honesty and earnest storytelling of an anthem for the everyday worker.
Following Boulter’s engaging set, the charismatic Eddi Reader stepped onto the stage and instantly made it clear there was no rigid structure to the evening—just a heartfelt musical journey guided purely by intuition. Opening spontaneously with “Peace Time,” Reader set the tone for an evening rich with warmth, laughter, and touching narratives.
One of the most poignant moments came with her heartfelt dedication to bandmate Paul’s late mother before performing “Girl Who Fell in Love with the Moon.” Reader’s reputation as an exceptional vocalist precedes her, but experiencing her live was genuinely awe-inspiring. Her vocal range seemed boundless and effortless, each note wrapped in authentic emotion.
Reader’s ensemble also proved instrumental in creating the night’s enchanting atmosphere. The gentle yet joyous sounds of the accordion infused the performance with a romantic nostalgia rarely heard on stage nowadays. Songs like “Baby Boat” invited vibrant stomp-and-holler interludes, enthusiastically embraced by the audience, creating an infectious, communal spirit.
Throughout the evening, Reader’s anecdotes enriched the experience—offering insights into her illustrious history as a backing vocalist for legends like Annie Lennox, Alison Moyet, and The Waterboys., along with her time with Fairground Attraction. These stories, delivered with Reader’s effortless charisma and impeccable comedic timing, had the audience laughing along, further enhanced by the band’s playful background waltz accompaniment.
An unexpected delight came in her rendition of Edith Piaf’s “Bravo the Clown,” where Reader amusingly mimed playing a saw, simultaneously producing the eerily accurate vocal impression of its distinctive sound, leaving the audience charmed and astonished.
Eddi Reader’s performance was a joyous celebration of storytelling and musicianship, making the evening at Sunderland’s Fire Station truly unforgettable.
Get your copy of MG Boulter’s most recent album “Days of Shaking” now, and maybe also set aside a good couple of days to get through Eddi Reader’s back catalog – I humbly suggest starting with her album Simple Soul!