Courtney Marie Andrews; Rough Trade Bristol

Who knew that Rough Trade in Bristol had a tiny venue hidden away next to the it coffee stand, I certainly didn’t. But, as it turns out, it was the perfect place to catch the latest show on Courtney Marie Andrews album release tour in the UK.

It’s a treat that she’s chosen to play shows in the likes of Truck Store Oxford, Crash Records in Leeds, Resident Music in Brighton and Rough Trades Nottingham and Bristol. She could have been in Nashville. Or Phoenix. Or anywhere else in the US and probably Europe. But it shows the affinity the Arizona native has with the UK, her second visit in 2022, with her next visit less than six months away at larger venues. Tip time… book your ticket now.

Before those dates though the record store tour is a totally intimate set of shows celebrating the release of her terrific new album, Loose Future. Rather than read what I think about it check out Courtney’s interview with The Guardian.

The Rough Trade show starts with a run of songs from that new record, showcasing the more upbeat feel that they have and really giving a stage for Courtney’s utterly transfixing voice. With her adeptness on the guitar (she’s totally solo here) adding wonderful layers from her songs, it’s a dreamy start. After turning to a couple of tracks from older albums Courtney asks the room what they want to hear, turns out everything from her back catalogue, that’s what they want to hear! With a twist of fate she chose two of my favourite songs, ‘Burlap Strings’ and ‘Irene’ to close the set.

Short, sweet, and spellbinding.