Gig Review-Susan O'Neill-NYC

Rockwood Music Hall 12 August 2022

Susan O’Neill

Rockwood Music Hall

New York City  

12 August 2022

Susan O’ Neill used to perform  under the moniker SON. Now using her full name when she plays concerts it is apparent that the focus is on this young woman as a force and as a talent on many levels, so let’s make sure the world has her full name.

Susan has been working on her skills and her show for a few years now. Just before the annoying pandemic closing down Australia, she had been on tour there. In late February she did a show at the Fairlight Folk Acoustic Lounge just shy of Manly Beach. Little did any of us know this was going to be the last gig they saw before things got locked down.

Susan’s talent was like a bright shining light coming from the simple stage. With pedals, loops, and playing the guitar, trumpet, percussion, and that whiskey-flecked angelic voice, she completely floored all in attendance. After the gig, I made sure to give her a hug, and a bang on the ear and let her know that her skill at producing on the fly and her voice were unique and extraordinary. It was a warm moment before Australia shut down her tour and the world followed suit.

The Rockwood Music Hall in NYC is a sweet little venue that is made up of 3 small rooms for music. With three separate small concert venues, they host about 6-7 acts in each room each night. It is a revolving door of music and a great showcase for new and upcoming artists.

O’Neill had the early show tonight at 7 PM, and about fifty eager fans and friends were there to see her perform. After just playing at The Edmonton Folk Festival and playing in front of thousands this was to be something quite special. Just an aside, word has it she killed it in Edmonton, but I was not surprised to hear that.

A keyboard player joined Susan, and she filled in all the gaps as she did in her Fairlight gig above. Although she did get down and do her loops and pedals and the like, the focus tonight was on her vocal skills.

Her timbre and her delivery simply take your breath away. The woman sitting next to me was close to tears and was waving her hand over her heart to show she was overjoyed. With tales of love and love lost and beauty displayed, she had the full attention of every one of us in that room.

Between songs, she had the Irish gift of the gab and could make us laugh and think with her tales. There was never a dull moment, and it is obvious with her charisma, talent, smile, and open way of communicating that she has all it takes to be whatever type of star she desires to be.

The music she has recorded with Irish singer/songwriter Mick Flannery is well worth finding and keep your eyes out for new material once she gets off the road.