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Larkin Poe and Dermot Kennedy at the Baloise Session – 6 November 2025

At the Baloise Session on November 6th, Larkin Poe delivered fiery Southern blues, while Dermot Kennedy’s soulful ballads filled the room with raw emotion. The night moved from Georgia’s gritty energy to Ireland’s introspective melancholy, showcasing how different musical styles can evoke a similar depth of feeling.

Larkin Poe

Sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell have been making music together since childhood, and that lifelong rhythm shows in every glance they share on stage. Steeped in the sounds of the American South, their set moved easily from stripped-back bluegrass to full-throttle blues rock.

On «Devil Music», they delivered an affectionate tribute to Ozzy Osbourne, weaving in a few cheeky nods: a reference to Robert Johnson’s mythic crossroads, where the bluesman sold his soul, and Spinal Tap-inspired lyric «you’ll never get to heaven if your amp is on 11». Rebecca’s smoky blues voice and Megan’s fierce slide guitar made century-old traditions sound fresh again. Dynamic and funny, Larkin Poe were a pure delight.

Dermot Kennedy


Dermot Kennedy’s set was a masterclass in emotional honesty. His gravel-edged voice carried every song, from the underlying anger in «Moments Passed» to the hopeful lift of «Better Days». A three-piece band – including Basel’s own Benjamin Leuenberger – provided excellent support, while the audience joined in on songs like «After Rain».

The fantastic «Outnumbered» brought tears to more than a few eyes – one of those rare moments at a concert when the full range of human emotion, from joy to sorrow, was felt all at once; and closer «Carrickfergus» added a touch of Irish folk.

Throughout the concert, you could’ve heard a pin drop; everyone was spellbound. If there was one minor wish, it would have been for a touch more variation, as many of the songs followed a similar emotional tone. Still, Kennedy’s sincerity and gorgeous voice shone through and left the audience cheering.

Larkin Poe and Dermot Kennedy offered two distinct but equally honest musical experiences. Larkin Poe’s fiery energy contrasted with Kennedy’s reflective sincerity, and the evening moved seamlessly from slide to acoustic guitar, from storm to stillness, bringing this year’s Baloise Session to a poignant close.

– Anna Wirz

Larkin Poe – Impressions

Dermot Kennedy – Impressions

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