Review: Alison Krauss & Union Station - Clyde Auditorium

Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas are currently on their first international tour in six years, arriving at Glasgow's Clyde Auditorium last night ahead of a four night stint at the Royal Festival Hall in London.

The group comprises of Jerry Douglas (Dobro, lap steel, vocals), Dan Tyminski (guitar, mandolin, lead vocal), Ron Block (banjo, guitar) and Barry Bales (bass, vocals), with Krauss on lead vocal and fiddle and the list of musical instruments after each name gives some insight to the skills they possess. As musicians in their own right, each individual member of the group is supremely talented and together they create something truly unique and almost otherworldly.

For two hours last night the Clyde Auditorium became a little piece of Nashville. The Paper Airplane tour encompasses the album of the same title but also including favourites from their previous albums. Paper Airplane is their first collaborative piece of work since 2004 and the songs are poignant, thoughtful and beautiful. Their inimitable style creates incredible, soulful music that envelopes the audience in another world.

Alison Krauss is honest about being asked “Why is your music so sad?” and her given answer “Because we’re sad people!” (said while chuckling admittedly) doesn’t fit with the warmth and camaraderie that exudes from the stage. Their self-deprecating humour and easy banter contrasts with the emotion of their songs and their Southern sincerity warmed up the cool Glasgow night. Old favourites were greeted with cheers from the opening chords with ‘Baby Now That I’ve Found You’, ‘When You Say Nothing at All’, ‘Paper Airplane’ and ‘ I am a Man of Constant Sorrow’ receiving rapturous receptions from the audience. For UK lovers of bluegrass and country this tour is a long awaited treat and if you can find a ticket left, I’d certainly recommend seeing them live.

12th - 15th Nov Royal Festival Hall, London

Tickets available by clicking here.