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Michelle Shocked, supported by Luke Hurley, at the James Hay Theatre, Christchurch Town Hall. Tuesday, March 4. Running time, 8:05pm to 10:55pm.

American folksinger Michelle Shocked did just right from the outset. She took a risk in introducing a trio of new songs – including “Over The Waterfall” and “[Prodigal Daughter] (Cotton Eyed Joe)” – using traditional fiddle tunes and using her own lyrics. The songs will be incorporated in her new LP, and they sounded excellent.

Shocked nodded both to the past and the present. She seems to follow the American folk tradition of Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger, including the wide mixture of styles from her home state of Texas, but she also is modern in her outlook. Thus, her songs moved from country blues through to rock ‘n’ roll.

“On The Greener Side” was straight-out rock ‘n’ roll, including Shocked and Wayne Goodman, violinist and acoustic guitarist from Sydney, doing the Chuck Berry duck walk. “The Cement Lament” tackled the blues reminiscent of a down-and-out tale from Tom Waits.

Shocked has a reputation for being outspoken, and her voice was strong on the songs which involved social issues. Best of all was “[Ballad of] Penny Evans,” sung a cappella, about a family whose father was killed in the Vietnam War. It was moving because of [the] Gulf War, acknowledging those who had loved ones, on either side, [who] were killed in the war.

Texas swing came out most strongly on songs such as “(Making the Run to) Gladewater” showing off Shocked’s fine voice and the additional edge given by Goodman, producer of Joan [illegible] last album in guitar and fiddle accompaniments. However, the tales of Texas, of growing up were even better. [illegible] of bittersweet humour of “Memories of East Texas” and “V.F.D.” about children playing with matches in a dry field.

Luke Hurley opened the last half, going the traditional way of introducing songs that many were familiar with, starting off with “Mona Lisa,” his most popular song, although not likely to be heard on commercial radio. Hurley is not noted for his humour, but he struck a chord with “I’m A Half-Cut Kiwi,” including a rendition of the national anthem which ended in the words, “God help New Zealand.” Hurley might find himself in the same league as Jimi Hendrix and Roseanne Barr for their “offenses” in performing “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

The concert was a great success and Shocked fully deserved her standing ovation.

Those folkies who might have considered Shocked too modern for their tastes ought to think again. She showed that she was fully aware of folk tradition, and she had a fine voice to carry that through.

The pity is that New Zealand also has some fine folk musicians creating good music and they deserve an ear as well.