Located at the back end of the Northern Quarter, Band On The Wall is a unique music spot. Run by registered charity Inner City Music, it’s a not for profit venue with one simple aim; presenting the best music from around the world. Tonight, Justin Townes Earle is in town to promote the release of his 7th album, Absent Fathers, the companion piece to 2014’s Single Mothers.

 

More than able support is provided by Andrew Combs. Like JTE, he’s a native of Nashville Tennessee and the room is already starting to fill as he takes the stage. He’s all floppy hair, check shirt and intense country crooning.

 

He sings songs about love and loss, and gritty tales of Southern America; dirty cops, and prisoners working by the side of the road. A particular highlight is the title track of the forthcoming album, All These Dreams. It’s theme of missing someone when you’re far away from home, particularly apt for this boy from America’s Deep South playing in Manchester on a cold January evening.

 

There’s a push toward the front as JTE’s takes the stage, joined by Paul Niehaus on electric guitar and pedal steel. Niehaus provides the perfect foil for Earle. The silent partner, he keeps JTE in line with subtle smiles and, just occasionally, reminding him what key he needs to be in.

 

Earle’s troubles are well documented but he takes no time to dwell on them; a sweep of his hand says I’m done with all that. As an artist who received his first recording contract at the age of 16, he’s been playing and performing for over half his life and now, clean and focused, the performance is sharp, but at the same time, laid back and relaxed; we’re here for him and he’ll do things his way.

 

Earle is completely engaging throughout, his slightly awkward, gawky look belied by the glint in his eye and the mischief in his smile. Between each song, there’s a back story, the various thoughts and memories that come together to become the characters in his songs.

 

The interplay between the electric and acoustic provides a perfect balance and when the Pedal Steel is used, it adds a haunting quality, utterly dripping in that Nashville sound.

 

He’s passionate and incredibly gracious to his influences too. White Gardenias is inspired by Billie Holiday, and an audience shout of ‘The Pogues’ (in response to a mention of ‘the drunkest band ever’) is responded with an off the cuff story of a messy night spent with Shane MacGowan.

 

What makes this so entrancing is that at each point we’re given an insight into the song writing process, what makes Earle tick as an artist. Another highlight, Christchurch Woman he explains is written in response to a return visit to New Zealand, following the 2011 earthquake. Where on his first visit he found a vibrant city, on his return, there was nothing, the city levelled in the disaster. When people ask him, who is the Christchurch Woman he simply tells them, ‘she’s gone’.

 

Covers of The Replacements Can’t Hardly Wait and Fleetwood Mac’s Thunder Only Happens When It’s Raining, bring the show to a crescendo before the big finish of Harlem River Blues. With its driving, foot tapping rhythm it’s the most upbeat song of the night and the perfect way to close.

 

Throughout the show, Justin Townes Earle is gracious, funny, and personable. He has the look and sound of someone completely on top of his game and it’s a pleasure to spend an evening in his company.