Nicole Atkins with Jim Sclavunos – Edge of the Wedge, Southsea 2023

Live: Edge of the Wedge

The touring partnership of Nicole Atkins and Jim Sclavunos has been some time in the making. Having originally met at a benefit concert, trying to find time between Nicole’s solo outings and Jim’s production commitments (not to mention his day job with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds) has made a working schedule somewhat tricky.

Then came the Covid years and even the long-awaited studio time was to prove a logistical nightmare. Yet, with the main days of the pandemic (hopefully) a distant memory, Nicole and Jim have finally been able to hit the road in the UK – stopping off at the Edge of the Wedge along the way.

Live Review – Nicole Atkins with Jim Sclavunos

There’s a reason for no support this evening, the lengthy setlist proving more than enough to keep us entertained.  That along with many a fun story, including Nicole’s would-be high-school relationship with Chris Isaac, the no toilet rule in Birmingham and various potential lines of new merchandise. The reality being a delay in official merch resulted in several pieces of lovely artwork being created at the last minute instead…

Initially, this evening focused on Nicole’s solo output (including a couple of tracks previously co-written with Jim Sclavunos). It’s also the first time during this particular tour that the New Jersey singer has picked up her guitar. However, backed with Jim on drums and Davey Horne on keys, the Edge of the Wedge seems as good a place as any to start playing again.

The rest of the set then delved into the pair’s eagerly awaited duets album. Which, still hasn’t got a release date – although based on tonight’s performance, is certainly worth the wait. At times touching on a bleakness equivalent to Nick Cave’s Murder Ballads, while the country-tinged “Walkin’” is reminiscent of a Bonnie Prince Billy or Bill Callahan number.

The chemistry between the onstage partnership is also as compelling as the songs themselves, with both having a clear love and mutual respect for each other. Meanwhile, musically the night twists and turns, culminating in Nicole and Jim standing front-of-stage, exchanging lines during the Tom Waits cover “Strange Weather“.

It almost feels as though we should be throwing flowers in appreciation, while the non-existent curtain is drawn behind them. Instead, there’s a natural chance to meet and greet, while having a chat about the life of a touring artist before heading home from our beloved venue.

Pre-order the 7″ of “Strange Weather” (backed with “A Man Like Me“) here.