Top Live Shows of 2011
Gillian Welch at Strathmore, Bethesda, MD
As a music fan, I am always looking for the beautiful sonic combination of melody, harmony and that lonesome sound. As a live show, the sonic perfection of the symphony hall at Strathmore with Gillian Welch and David Rawlings was a stunning experience. The audience acted like an audience should when in the presence of the duo. Welch and her lonesome voice and Rawlings and his amazing prowess on the guitar complemented the venue perfectly. At this show, Welch even tap-danced her way through “Six White Horses.†Eight years between albums, this show was so good that I might even call it worth the wait.
Jason Isbell at Rock & Roll Hotel, Washington, DC
After his most recent show, I found myself asking, “Drive-by who?†Jason Isbell not only released a fantastic album, but managed to truly come-of-age as a songwriter. The addition of Amanda Shires brought a true country element to the show. While his roots rock is strong, his true down and out country of “Codeine†and “Alabama Pines†was more authentic in person even that it was on record. In the small venue of the Rock & Roll Hotel in Washington, DC, the intimate setting worked well for Isbell.
Barnstar at Natick Center for the Arts, Natick, MA
A quiet weekend out in the burbs turned into a great bluegrass show. At the quiet and intimate Natick Center for the Arts, Barnstar brought the bluegrass show and energy to a new level. Rarely will I enter a show with so little knowledge of the act. I knew of Mark Erelli and Zack Hickman. Taylor Amerding’s high harmony and Jake Armerding’s fiddle lent the band a sound that would make the Stanley Brothers proud.
Mark Erelli at The Treehouse, Takoma Park, MD
For an intimate show, Mark Erelli’s performance at the Treehouse made a deeper connection. Listening to him discuss his songs and relate to the 50 some-odd guests in the residential venue felt like I’d known him all my life. He was instantly approachable and accessible both in song and in person. I became an instant fan.
Jesse Malin, City Winery, New York City
As a songwriter, I wasn’t sure if Jesse Malin had peaked too early. His first album was so strong, particularly “Brooklyn” and the hard hitting songwriting of a former punk rocker. Malin has a hilarious banter that fit so perfect with the show at the City Winery in New York City. Malin played his most powerful album in the most powerful way. He told stories that only a songwriter can to a seated audience.
Hoots & Hellmouth, Middle East Upstairs, Cambridge, MA
For a foot-stomping good time, Hoots & Hellmouth is still able to put on an instantly likeable show. Although the newest album “Salt†veers more toward acoustic singer/songwriter sound, the boys still know how to bring it up a notch at a live show. The band is able to merge soul and bluegrass in an unimaginable way particularly in a live show. Stomping boards, hollering and Sean Hoots’ soulful voice make these guys an unmissable show (particularly at the small Middle East Upstairs).
Photos by Suzanne Davis McMahon
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.