Embarking on a solo career might be a daunting experience for Irish singer songwriter Lisa Hannigan but at least no one can fire her. Damien Rice, her previous collaborator, did just that, minutes before a show in Munich, living up to his prickly reputation.

The Rice connection explains her popularity. This show was sold out and her debut album Sea Sew is not even in the shops until next month.

Her band, featuring violin, xylophone and trumpet, opened with a pleasing folky arrangement.

Hannigan was evidently a fully formed artist, thanks to those years touring with Rice. On a chilly night, there was something comforting about her balmy voice and delicate banjo. The illuminated plastic mushroom and fairy lights also added a homely touch.

Although Hannigan’s voice was small, at least at first, she was a surprisingly physical performer, shaking her shoulders, clutching her arms and heaving a harmonium during Venn Diagram. Her band couldn’t quite match her bodily connection to these tunes but seemed to share a musical understanding. There was plenty of laughter between songs, too.

The real pleasure was witnessing Hannigan grow into this performance. She was confident enough to cover Bob Dylan’s Just Like Tom Thumb’s Blues. Her own girlish song I Don’t Know sounded like a hit and, after a false start, Pistachio was a beguiling little tune that showed off her innate ability.

Her voice developed power and mystique as the show progressed. There were some surprises including a discordant The Lady is a Tramp.
Hannigan could be a significant talent for 2009, not least because she possesses some of the intensity of her old boss, Damien Rice. That night in Munich, he clearly did her a favour.