Josh Ritter has always come across as a polished live performer, but his enthusiasm couldn’t be contained within the theater walls at a low profile cd release performance on August 22nd in New York. “It is amazing to be here, awesome, awesome,” he exclaimed a few songs into the show.
Much of the set focused on his just released “The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter,” a playful collection of immediately engaging songs. The band was clearly energized, giving an extra charge to stand-outs like “Rumors” and lead single “Right Moves.” A horn section joined in the fun for several songs, including the cacophony of “Real Long Distance.” Said Ritter, “I’ve never played with horns before. My brother got a saxophone and the animals walked around the house like the devil had showed up.”
Part of the show’s charm was the venue, The Box, a new theater that oozes turn-of-the-century vaudevillian cool. It melded perfectly with the theatrical quality of Ritter’s music. Plus it was entertaining to see the horn section find a home on the burlesque staircase on the back of the stage.
Ritter’s only mistake was not recording the show for a dvd. The room, the celebration of a new release and a magical performance will be something that he will want to cherish for years to come.
Full album streaming here.
Audio Download: Josh Ritter To the Dogs or Whoever [audio:http://www.joshritter.com/mp3/HistoricalConquests_01_ToTheDogsorWhoever.mp3]
[Source: Josh Ritter]
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.