My Darling Clementine with Southport’s own Michael Weston King brings classic Country duets to Southport on Saturday 14 December, 8pm.
It is a sweet irony that in Country Music, the joining of two voices in harmony should so often be used to sing about disharmony. Yet it is that contradiction which draws us to this music. The timeless themes of the classic country duets have now been revived and revisited by My Darling Clementine, the husband and wife duo of Michael Weston King and Lou Dalgleish.
Michael Weston King, the former leader of UK Alt Country pioneers The Good Sons (who MOJO dubbed “England’s very own Uncle Tupelo…”,) is widely seen as one of Britain’s finest singer songwriters, with 10 albums and countless tours, both solo and with the likes of Nick Cave, Guy Clark, Steve Earle, Roger McGuinn to his credit. Collaborations with Chris Hillman, Ron Sexsmith and the legendary Townes Van Zandt (who cut his own version of Michael’s song Riding The Range), have further enhanced his burgeoning reputation.
Lou Dalgleish is one of the finest female singers in the UK; who has been praised by, and worked with the likes of Elvis Costello, Bryan Ferry, The Brodsky Quartet, Sophie B Hawkins and many more. From 1993 – 2000 she released 4 albums that showed off her unique song styling as well as her stunning vocals.
Michael Weston King said:
“Being a music fan living in Southport in the 70′ and 80’s meant frequent trips to Liverpool and Manchester to get ones music fix, as Southport offered very little. It was only the occasional gig at the Southport Arts Centre (which I played several times) which provided a glimmer of light in an otherwise cultural darkness.
I am delighted to see the place reborn as The Atkinson and to see a wider and more varied musical policy being adopted. I am really looking forward to the show on December 14 – it will be My Darling Clementine’s final show of the year too, … so expect a party!
Both King and Dalgleish are no strangers to successful, independent music careers but after 10 years of marriage, the two have just now turned their attention towards a joint project. The result is “How Do You Plead?”, an album that has taken the Country / Americana world by storm. It has garnered incredible critical acclaim, the debut single, 100,000 Words became a BBC Radio 2 hit, and the band and album went on to win awards on both sides of the Atlantic.
Emma Lloyd, The Atkinson’s Performing Arts, Marketing & Visitor Services Manager said:
“The Atkinson is really developing a fabulous programme of Americana and Roots music since opening in May. We are building a loyal audience, and we are very grateful to them for all their support.
After the success of the From a Distance – Southport’s first Americana festival in September and with Grateful Fred’s – Acoustic and Roots nights making The Atkinson their new home from December – we will continue to bring in some of the very best bands and artists from around the US whilst supporting English Americana bands to develop.
Tickets for My Darling Clementine are priced at £12 advance / £14 doors and are available online at theatkinson.co.uk or by calling The Atkinson box office on 01704 533333. You can also purchase your tickets over the counter during The Atkinson’s opening hours.
*Please be advised there is a £2 booking fee for booking over the phone and online bookings.
Posted on 3 December 2013 under General news
