To say that Lucinda Williams isn’t happy with Donald Trump would be an understatement. During a politically-charged gig at Birmingham’s historic Town Hall – cornerstone of our civic freedoms – she declined to name Trump but savaged him with stirring songs of freedom.

During a set including no fewer than six songs from her recently released World’s Gone Wrong album, the Louisiana songwriter, who turned 73 on Monday, bemoaned the state of her nation, warning: “The US Constitution is being ripped apart on a daily basis.

“People don’t know what to do about it. They feel trapped. A crazy dude wants a monarchy. He wants to be a monarch. Well, we fought a war over that – the Revolutionary War.” And with that, she launched into Memphis Minnie’s 1937 signature song You Can’t Rule Me.

It was part of a run of socially aware songs that formed the heart of the gig, rubbing shoulders with Bob Marley’s So Much Trouble In The World, Lucinda’s devilishly delightful How Much Did You Get For Your Soul – here dedicated to Trump – and bluesy civil rights statement Black Tears.

Introducing Freedom Speaks, another track off the new album, she mused on the loss of free speech and the return of the 60s vibe of people protesting in the streets. “I never thought I’d still be singing about freedom of expression,” she said, reflecting on recent events in America.

Don’t get the idea, however, that this was a depressing couple of hours, rather a joyful celebration of freedom set to a soundtrack of Americana roots, rock and roll, country and reggae, with songs ranging across Lucinda’s catalogue and peppered with fan favourites.

Randy Weeks-written Can’t Let Go got an airing, alongside I Lost It, Car Wheels On A Gravel Road, the return of Lake Charles to the setlist, and concert stage staples Joy and Righteously, the latter vying with the magical Marley cover for highlight of the evening.

Still unable to play guitar after the 2020 stroke which has cruelly impeded her mobility, Lucinda was vocally in form, although she apologised for straining to hit notes in I Lost It. “I’d forgotten it was so high,” she smiled. “Thank you for your tolerance and your patience”.  

It was unnecessary, but the crowd loved her even more for it.

Throughout, she was aided and abetted by the sublimely subtle Doug Pettibone and fiery Marc Ford – he of former Black Crowes fame – two of the very best guitarists in the business. Long-time bassist David Sutton and drummer Brady Blade put in virtuoso turns too.

This, you realised pretty much from the off, is one hell of a band, playing at the top of their game. “I get the privilege of watching these guy play onstage every night,” she said. It was a sentiment shared as the audience’s sedate respect finally broke into noisy enthusiasm.

They ended with a barnstorming cover of Neil Young’s Rockin’ In The Free World. What else?

* Good news is that Lucinda will be back in Birmingham before too long, her name just added to the bill of the renowned Moseley Folk Festival, which this year runs from September 4 to 6 with headliners including Kingfishr, Super Furry Animals and The Dead South.

Tickets for the festival, celebrating its 20th anniversary, go on sale at 10am today, Friday January 30. You’ll have to be quick!

THE SETLIST

The World’s Gone Wrong

Can’t Let Go

Stolen Moments

I Lost It

Car Wheels On A Gravel Road

Lake Charles

Low Life

Fruits Of My Labor

So Much Trouble In The World

Freedom Speaks

You Can’t Rule Me

How Much Did You Get For Your Soul?

Black Tears

Changed The Locks

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Righteously

Honey Bee

ENCORES

Hard Time Killin’ Floor Blues

Joy

Rockin’ In The Free World

Nice to see a version of this review also appear in the Birmingham Mail on Saturday too!