In American society’s current musical climate (without a lot of love of Americana music), you wouldn’t think that a “classic” sound would show up out of nowhere. Not only is JT Earle’s indie-darling status progressively more established, but the newbie Joe Pug ain’t no lightweight either. Earle had nothin’ but love for Pug and it wasn’t hard to see why. Pug’s lyrically dense songs recall Dylan in structure; on the other hand, Earle’s opryland honky-tonkin’ ways perfectly cleansed the pallet from Pug’s literate dense think-pieces.
With just one look at his bowtie, the retro motif was already apparent. JT began the set with a throwback to his early days, before he had a career or even an ambition. He plays a walking baseline bluegrass cover in John Henry like no one else.
Earle had a small band with standup bass and fiddle. The sound fit Earle perfectly. JT played some blues covers (“Cadillac Blues” by Lightnin’ Hopkins) and a bunch of new tunes. A new track about an MTA empoyee (from NYC) sounded great in the full band setting.
While the songs are well-written, the simpler singer/songwriter tracks such as “My Momma’s Eyes” slowed the momentum of the show (and the band left for a few). But they certainly showed Earle’s range as a performer. JT seems more and more seasoned with each show.
The opening act, Joe Pug, had a fresh energy that was palpable. His new record “The Messenger” has a fuller sound than his EP. For most of the live show, Pug used a few new guitars and his voice.
Pug began the set with three songs from the Nation of Heat EP. They truly set the tone for the show. The thoughtful “Hymn 35” resounded with the verses like “I am faith / I am belief / Except for when I’m not / I am the teeth of champions / I am the rust of water rot.” The track certainly draws valid comparisons to Dylan but has a more serious intensity.
The track’s from the new album had a decidedly more laidback feel. Even with just a guy and a guitar (though Pug did call out his guitarist to fill out the sound on a few numbers), they seem more comfortable and less urgent. That is not a criticism, but rather an observation. Pug’s track “The Door Was Always Open” from “The Messenger” had a catchy building feel to it that ended in a powerful bridge.
Pug’s energy was fresh and new. He said out loud “Living the Dream” a few times and his enthusiasm seemed a lot like a younger Josh Ritter. He certainly knew how to have fun with it.
Each of them at different points in their careers, Pug & JT came together for a wonderful show. The two of them are bringing the classic sound back to the alt-country genre, keeping it from being swallowed up in the mire of indie-rock (whatever that is). Keep it up boys.
Photos by Suzanne Davis
About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.