On, August 20th, Nashville’s Basement became the perfect setting for Hannah Connolly’s live show—a harmonious blend of folk and modern soundscapes. When she described her music as “LA Folk”, I admit I instantly was thinking it would sound like Beck but it was more than that. Soft sultry 70’s country like Dolly Parton but with the tightest backing band that was available in Nashville. Connolly‘s vocals—ethereal and vulnerable—effortlessly transported the audience into the emotive world she crafts in her songs. She performed selections from her latest release, Shadowboxing, interweaving delicate acoustic strumming with subtle electronic textures that gave the performance a fresh, contemporary edge. The blend of classic folk and modern instrumentation felt organic, as if the two worlds were always meant to coexist. After the show, I was lucky enough to meet Hannah, who graciously handed me a vinyl copy of Shadowboxing. Upon listening to it later, I can confidently say that the album’s production and writing deserve nothing short of five stars. Each track is a masterclass in blending introspective lyrics with lush, layered soundscapes, confirming that Hannah Connolly is not only a captivating live performer but also a brilliant artist in the studio. She is currently playing a string of dates on the east coast before heading back to LA.
Review & pix by I’m Music Magazine Photographer/Writer Kris Cagle