Eliza Gilkyson

For Texas based folk musician Eliza Gilkyson music runs through her veins stemming from her father’s influence as a folk singer songwriter who was also known for his work on Disney scores in the 1950’s. Eliza’s career began in her teens as she leant her vocals to various recordings which her father was producing in the 1960’s. At the age of nineteen, Eliza released her debut album entitled ‘Eliza 69’ following in her father’s footsteps in the folk realm. Taking a decade long break to concentrate on raising her family, Eliza returned in full force armed with an overflowing amount of inspiration and creativity in the shape of her follow up album ‘Love From the Heart’ released in 1979. Over her long sustained career and an impressive back catalogue of hits, Gilkyson has traversed the world along with her peers Slaid Cleaves, Jackson Browne and Kris Kristofferson, whilst amassing a Grammy nomination and numerous accolades on the way. Accompanied by a band of electric guitarists, drummer and herself on acoustic guitar, Gilkyson has the audience wrapped around her finger. Her raspy and pure vocals bring out the best in her lyrics, full of brutal honesty as she sings of tales of angst, love and loss. With heart-wrenching tracks like ‘Hard Times in Babylon’ and ‘Requiem’, Gilkyson pours every ounce of heart and soul into each performance creating a magical and unforgettable experience which chills you the core.

Thanks-giving came a little early to Northampton on Sunday night. Gilkyson was in fine voice and spirits, and her accompaniests - Tracy Grammer and Jim Henry, accomplished artists in their own right - put this performance over the top. Gilkyson’s song introductions gave ample credit to those in her family who wrote or otherwise inspired the songs that were not hers. Her renditions of songs from her own catalog were rich, and for someone who despairs for our collective future, her passion, artistry and good humor can’t help but give us all hope. She’s a seeker, trying, by her own admission, to connect with something bigger than ourselves. She did that in the Parlor Room.

Eliza Gilkyson is a deeply affecting and wildly entertaining
performer. I travelled over an hour on a work night just to see her in person. I love her more as she matures. Fabulous show and lovely venue.