RISING AMERICANA star Courtney Marie Andrews gave a consummate performance to a rapturous reception at Brighton’s Komedia.

Touring with her band to promote her critically acclaimed new album May Your Kindness Remain, Andrews added three songs to her setlist to make it a 20-track set.

At the age of 27 Andrews performs like a veteran, having been on the road since she was 16. She is revelling in her new-found success and knows how to deliver a show.

The self-belief that recent critical recognition has given Andrews shines through. Her crystal clear delivery and stage presence is mesmerising.

She was backed by her talented band brought over from the States of lead guitar, bass, drums and keys.

Opening with Long Road Back To You her strong yet sweet voice filled the venue. Her sense of humour is never far from the surface and she introduced the second track I’ve Hurt Worse as “a sarcastic love song”.

Andrews captivated the audience, whether an uptempo number such as Two Cold Nights in Buffalo or the hauntingly beautiful Near You: “I’m not asking for the moon, I just wanna be near you.”

Perhaps the standout track was Took You Up with the lyrics “Ain’t got much but we got each other …. wouldn’t trade love for a million bucks”. This is the essence of Courtney Marie Andrews; a beautiful song, emotional, raw and observant lyrics, performed with passion, commitment and no little skill.

Andrews returned for her first encore track Let The Good One Go and the crowd pleaser Irene before welcoming back the evening’s support act Twain for a raucous country rock jam to Little Feat’s Willin’.

Chaz Brooks