This past Friday night I caught Last Train Home performing at IOTA (Arlington, VA) for my fourth time live. I was a little bummed that the opening act The Commons had been moved to Saturday night having heard great things about them. To my surprise and delight, a local cat named Justin Trawick stepped in to set the night off. I’d received his disc in the mail several weeks ago and already had him on my radar as the first listen and subsequent others piqued my interest. So when I saw that he was indeed the opener a nice bonus performance was added to Friday night at IOTA.
Not only can he play a mean guitar, Trawick spits rapid fire lyrics like the rat-a-tat of a machine gun. If you’ve heard Jason Mraz or Bob Schneider (a favorite of mine) rip through vocals you’re probably familiar with this style. For me it never gets old. Layer the vocals over acoustic guitar reminiscient of G.Love or Jack Johnson, you get Trawick bringing his own blend to the style. Best yet, he’s local to DC. I hope this was the first of many times catching Trawick’s live show. He played accoustic guitar with Jean Finstad (Upright Bass) and Will Reinhardt (Drums) dubbing themselves the Justin Trawick Trio at least for this night.
Here’s a video clip I shot of Trawick peforming “Water’s Rising” a cut on his new album recorded Friday night at IOTA. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Justin Trawick, “Water’s Rising” (IOTA-6/15/07)
For more on Justin Trawick, check out his official web site where you can preview songs from his latest album How to Build a Life With a Lemonade Stand or his MySpace Profile. His album is also available for download on iTunes or for purchase on CD Baby. For a taste, start with the title track but I recommend the whole album. Definitely put Justin Trawick on your radar.
Also, here’s some upcoming show dates:
Jun 21, 2007 8:00 PM
Solly’s U St Tavern – Songwriter’s Showcase!(Brad Radish, Celeste Starchild, Justin Trawick, Laura Tsaggaris, Tim Bracken)
Washington, DC
Jun 22, 2007 10:00 PM
The Underground (Under the Copabana next to UPenn)
Philadelphia, PA
Jun 23, 2007 10:00 PM
Sea Breeze (formally the Ram’s Head)
Rehoboth Beach, DE
Jun 26, 2007 8:00 PM
IOTA (Austism Benefit Feat. Raise Up Roofbeams, Justin, & Eva Castillo)
Arlington, VA
Jun 29, 2007 9:00 PM
930 CLUB!!!!!!!!! (with Basshound & Future)
Washington, DC
Jul 7, 2007 9:00 PM
Austin Grill Concert Hall
Baltimore, MD
Stay tuned for more on the Last Train Home performance at IOTA.
About the author: Washington, D.C. area creative by day. Music is my muse. I host Twangville’s weekly Readers‘ Pick.