By Wil Comstock
MCAU Contributing Writer
Sept. 19, 7 p.m. show at the Optimist:
Concord Records sure knows how to throw a listening party! Oysters on the half shell, jumbo shrimp, delectable hors d’oeuvres, and the best coconut pie, hands down. And let’s not forget about the music!
Shooter Jennings hosted this incredible lineup that kicked off with John R Miller. John is a native of West Virginia near the Potomac River. He combines elements of country, folk, blues, and rock to make his unique sound. Check out “Lookin’ Over My Shoulder” to get a taste of what this guy is all about.
Korean-American, Nat Myers grew up in Kansas, West Tennessee, and Northern Kentucky. He claims he always had an itinerant heart. His mom bought him a left-handed starter guitar, trying to keep him away from the riffraff he was hanging out with, but he still hung out with them. His father listened to the blues. It dawned on Myers “ The real American epics were being told by these itinerant musicians from the ‘30s and ‘40s.” Nat sounds like a throw back to that time.
He finger picks a National guitar in a style all his own. His vocals are smooth and his lyrics poetic. I loved “Pray for Rain,” an analogy for continued endurance and blessing on a four-year relationship.
Afie Jurvanen, known by his stage name BAHAMAS, calls Nova Scotia home where he lives with his wife and children. His ballads were simple yet powerful as he accompanied himself on acoustic guitar. On the crowd favorite, “Take My Time,” you could have heard a pin drop.
How could you not like Calgary native Bella White? Her sincerity and honesty seeps through every one of her songs. This is nowhere more apparent than on “Break My Heart.” Introducing the number, she proclaimed, “I’m a cry baby, and that is that!” Take a listen to “Fire on the Bedsheet.”
Logan Ledger stepped out with a full band. Hailing from Californina, Logan settled in Nashville and paid his dues songwriting and playing around town. This skinny guy can sing a lonesome, yearning song like no other! Audience favorites “Golden State” and “There Goes My Mind” are pure gems. I only wish some of the band members provided background vocals.
Four-time, Grammy Award-winner Sarah Jarosz played a show of all unreleased material. Who does that? She had a full band who loved being on stage with her. Their joy became our joy! I particularly enjoyed “Movie of My Life” and “Worst Case Scenario.”
Thank you Concord Records for a wonderful and memorable evening!
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