To listen to Hem, the label “countrypolitan” or “classical country” makes a lot of sense. The band consists of folk country elements and classical strings in the studio. But in person, Dan Messe’s piano and Sally Ellison’s vocals make this band stand out. They sound classical in every sense of the word. The keystrokes, harmonies and all of it sound amazingly symphonic. They are not a get up and dance band, but rather a sit back and marvel band.
Sally spoke about the band as having divorces and kids in the six years between albums,. Yet the band comes off as consummate professionals with experience, who appreciate their opportunity to perform. Sally manages to bring Dan’s beautiful songs to life with her unmistakable vocals.
The concert started with a solo acappella tune “Lord Blow the Moon Out Please.” It set the tone for the show. Sally’s pristine voice accentuated lullabye-like melodies and tight musicianship. While the actual lyrics often belie the subject matter, Hem’s tunes would play well pretty much anywhere. Liberty Mutual certainly thinks so and has made good use of them in their commercials.
But as the show moved on, older tracks brought the magic of a country-folk symphony to a new level. Gary Maurer and Steve Curtis fill out the songs with guitar and mandolin. Curtis adds vocal harmonies as well. While some tunes move along at a languid pace, Curtis-penned “Pittsburgh” and “Reservoir” both bring his hometown to life.
Small town innocent America is something that Hem certainly does well. “I am holding half an acre / Torn from the map of Michigan / And folded in this scrap of paper / Is a land I grew in.” The lyrics drip in authenticity.
After six years, the tunes still bring together so many seemingly disparate elements. The band has a romantic quality in their innocence. “He Came to Meet Me” shows a simple scene. The song celebrates the simple act of meeting someone.
Sometimes the songs are so clean and vocals so pure it seems unreal. At first listen, twangville readers may notice that Hem lacks the grizzled whiskey soaked authenticity of gravelly vocals. But the musicianship, lyrics and vocals are so well written that they work so well with a certain mood. Evening, wine and relaxing. The only thing left is Hem.
Dawn Landes opened the show. She also added harmony vocals throughout. When she called up either Steve Curtis or Gary Maurer from Hem, she really hit her stride.
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.