Valerie June

I depart the train at Cathays station in Cardiff, the university's very own train station, and enter the gig less than 2 minutes from the platform, this is an ideal start to the night.

Unfortunately due to some hold ups I had missed the start of the mesmeric Valerie June's set (supporting Jake Bugg). The reason I had chosen to come tonight. From the moment I heard her sultry southern drawl, I knew it had been more than worth the journey, and would be a night to remember, with a 30 minute set, full of what she labels "organic moonshine roots music" harboured from an early introduction to gospel, and a love of the blues and Appalachian folk. Valerie soon shows that she is the real deal. Showing tracks from her upcoming album, 'Pushin' Against A Stone' as soon as she opens her mouth this Southern belle transports you to the deep south delta, I could be in a bourbon bar in Memphis, or a wild porch party.

Equally at home in front of her band, or riding solo with just her banjo for company, this self taught musician, has talent by the bucket load, with beautiful looks to accompany her undoubted natural talent and charm, 'You Can't Be Told' proving to be my highlight of the night. A real genuine taste of dirty blues.

I was lucky enough to get to spend a few minutes after the performance chatting to her about the evening and her plans for the summer.

Valerie was full of love for the UK, having been on a national tour supporting Jake Bugg, she explained how she was continually falling in love with new cities each day, and the love the crowd shares when she is performing.

Brighton in particular had stolen her heart, she enjoyed walking on the stony beach in the sun. She also stressed how much she enjoyed her maiden British festival appearance last year at Bestival, with "The whole family vibe y'all got going on, and the food. Man the food was amazing!"

It was clear she held it dearly in her heart. With a busy 2013, kicking off with an appearance at South By Southwest in Texas, Valerie is hoping to Catch a lot more festivals this summer, but unfortunately wont be around for Glastonbury. "I was trying to sort out playing there with my manager, as I have heard all about it. But It turns out my sister is getting married that very weekend, but I'm hoping one day it will happen."

Wherever she ends up playing, she will make a big impact, and I would recommend anyone to check her show out as soon as possible.

FUTURE GIGS

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