Union Chapel Islington

Monday 1st November and we're travelling to Islington to see Court Yard Hounds at Union Chapel, Islington. After a pint at the Compton Arms, a proper London "backstreet pub". We made the short walk to the Union Chapel. The Chapel is London's Ryman Auditorium. The acoustics are stunning, the seats wooden pews, and being a church the seats are not reservable. It's first come, first served, and for the Hounds there's a bit of a stampede.

After a support act that I never really warmed to, I admit I was tired and the lyrics and musics seemed to me to be a reasonable cure for insomnia. A little after 9pm the Court Yard hounds or two thirds of the Dixie Chicks took to the stage. The sell out crowd appreciated an 80 minute set that centred on their 2010 album and at no point lurched into the Chicks back catalogue. The musicianship was excellent, Emily Robison (think she's changed her surname since divorce) showed not only what a talented songwriter she is but also a musician who comfortably switches between instruments. Altogether an excellent night.