True grit from defender of fine country tradition
Thursday October 18 2007
In addition to being one of country music's most enduring and influential artists, John Prine has garnered a new generation of musical admirers.
Bright Eyes, Alabama 3 and Low are just some of the contemporary acts that have either covered Prine, or named a song after him.
Prine successfully survived throat cancer in 1998 and many of his fans contend that this has added extra "gravel" to his voice. Indeed, when he speaks, his deep, throaty growl is mesmerising.
Prine's gift is that he perfectly combines intense emotion with entertaining playfulness. Jaunty material such as 'James Dean went to Hollywood' rubs shoulders with the imploringly beautiful 'Spend the Night With Me'.
Prine delivers a perfectly paced set of new compositions and back catalogue favourites. The only duff note is when a horrible blast of feedback squeals out of his microphone.
Forever the consummate professional, Prine handles the brief mishap perfectly. A crew member replaces the dodgy equipment in question, as John clears his throat and steps up to the mic.
"It just goes to show, they don't make 'em like they used to!" he quips.
And they don't make singers and performers quite like John Prine either.
