Annie Brown Caldwell (vocals); Deborah Caldwell (vocals); Anjessica Caldwell (vocals); Willie Joe Caldwell Sr. (guitar); Willie Caldwell Jr. (bass); Abel Aquirius Caldwell (drums)
The Globe on a Sunday evening usually wins out. However, occasionally there is an unfortunate clash with a gig elsewhere. This evening was one such occasion. The Cluny, down in the Ouseburn, opened its doors to a gospel/soul musical family all the way from West Point, Mississippi. Touring the UK, Annie & the Caldwells were on a mission.
Annie Caldwell sat for the duration, her daughter Deborah Caldwell standing to her right, to her left, daughter Anjessica Caldwell. The daughters were more, much more than backing singers. The three women shared the vocals, their sheer power shaking the foundations here on Lime Street. Sitting behind Annie, Deborah and Anjessica were Mr Caldwell and sons. Father Willie Joe Caldwell playing guitar (Mississippi swamp, hill country, soul-blues and more), sons Willie Caldwell Jr., bass guitar, and Abel Aquirius Caldwell, a powerhouse among powerhouse drummers.
The family's Can't Lose My Soul album would feature throughout a one hour performance. The album's title track, plus I Made It, Don't You Hear Me Calling?, I'm Going to Rise, all sanctifying stuff, the onside audience dancing and bopping the night away. Whatever Annie sang, they believed it! A churchgoing family, the music was in service to their faith.
Repetition played a key part - 'Dear Lord', 'Jesus', 'Hallelujah' etc. Yes, the Caldwells were on a mission. The Cluny's audience lapped it up, faith or no faith. As Mr Caldwell's rhythm section continued to work like Trojans, Annie rose up and, cane in hand for support, made her way off stage. Mission accomplished.
Earlier, Edinburgh-based James Emmanuel played a half hour set.
James Emmanuel (vocals) & band
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