Beth Nielsen Chapman plays Perth

Feb 19 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

AMERICAN songstress Beth Nielsen Chapman is enjoying a purple patch in her life, and oh boy does she appreciate it!

Having lost her husband to cancer, survived breast cancer and then just last year underwent an operation to remove a brain tumour, 51-year-old Beth knows that the good times should be embraced and enjoyed.

And she stressed she is relishing the prospect of a return to Perth Concert Hall on March 1 at a time when her new feelgood album, Back to Love, is riding high, having been extensively aired as BBC Radio 2’s album of the week.

Her first Perth Concert Hall gig in November 2007 was thoroughly enjoyed by established Beth Nielsen Chapman fans, while her stage presence, honey-smooth vocals and stunning arrangements of her songs captivated newcomers to her sound – often erroneously pigeon-holed as ‘country’ but in fact embracing a wide spectrum of contemporary music.

“I love Perth, it’s so beautiful, and it’s an honour to perform in such a beautiful venue to a wonderful audience,” enthused Beth during a whirlwind chat over the telephone – not from her Nashville base but from London where she was busy preparing for her upcoming UK tour which opens on Sunday.

Texas-born Beth comes to Perth Concert Hall during the 19-venue tour, accompanied on stage by two talented musicians, Marc Alcock on bass and the versatile Marcus Hummon on vocals, guitar, harmonica, mandolin and piano.

“Marcus has written many hit songs and he’s a brilliant musician,” said Beth.

In 2000 Marcus formed a UK-based pop/rock band called The Raphaels with Dunfermline’s singer Stuart Adamson who found fame with Big Country. The Raphaels' debut CD was released just before Adamson committed suicide in December 2001.

In 2005, Marcus scooped a Grammy Award for Best Country Song for Bless the Broken Road recorded by Rascal Flatts.

The Perth Concert Hall audience will be able to hear for themselves the talent of Marcus as a solo performer as he’ll do a stint before Beth comes on stage.

Beth describes her UK audiences as “amazing” and she’s looking forward to sharing her zest for life and love, which has intensified over the past 12 months.

“Last year while I was making the new record I found out I had a brain tumour. In April I had a craniotomy to remove the tumour which turned out to be benign.

It was all a bit harrowing but to wake up and immediately realise I am here and can still think and make music was just wonderful and made me appreciate the good things in life so much more.”

The other good thing in Beth’s life this year is her impending marriage, 16 years after losing her husband to cancer.

And with Back to Love gaining plaudits, Beth is looking forward to playing songs from the album to a live audience.

“This album is pretty reflective and goes back to my roots. My music has been given a ‘country’ label over the years but really I see it as being a culmination of many types of music.

“Half the songs on the new album I wrote myself, and I’m so lucky to work with a beautiful team of songwriters. Darrell Scott and I wrote two of the songs together, and Annie Roboff co-wrote the single, ‘Even As It All Goes By’.”

Beth’s Perth Concert Hall audience can enjoy live performances from her highly-acclaimed new album on Monday, March 1. The concert starts at 7.30pm with support from Marcus Hummon.

Tickets from the box office, 01738 621031, and online www.horsecross.co.uk