jeffrey foucault | pacificlectic : concert reviews & eclectic music news

* Favorite Vocal Albums of 2011 *

29th Dec 11 (Thu) 6 comments

I’ve been buying less music… or, at least a lot less mainstream (major label) music. This is also my fourth year now that I bought more instrumental CDs than vocal CDs. I think as I get older, I am drawn more towards jazz and other instrumental forms of expression. For that reason, the favorite vocal albums list goes first this go ’round. Hopefully my spilling out of music that I like finds interest with someone else. But if not, thanks for stopping by… check out the artists’ webpages, Facebox pages, yadda yadda yadda. A lot of these also made it on to my 2011 Mix CD (free streaming/download).

OK, now on to the best of what’s hit my ears this year…

Honorable Mentions: Iron & Wine – Kiss Each Other Clean, Tres Mts – Three Mountains, Pomplamoose – The Album You Bought At Our Show (Thanks for That), MC Frontalot – Solved and The Roots – Undun.

	Björk – Biophilia :: It started with an iPhone / iPad app… I was skeptical, but it turned out to be a really cool app and a really cool album. I don’t think the actual music broke any new ground for Bjork, but her willingness to approach technology and manifest an album initially with a new format is what will keep her in the forefront for me.
	Elysian Fields – Last Night on Earth :: Brooklyn-based sultry art rockers Elysian Fields don’t really tour outside of NYC often. Jennifer Charles and Oren Bloedow find their way to Europe on occasion, but most U.S. fans only really have their studio albums to sate their musical desires. This is their sixth full-length album in their near 16-year career. Well crafted, well produced, lush vocals and folk meets dusky jazz.
	Blackfield – Welcome to My DNA :: I was disappointed that I couldn’t make it out for this tour. The album is good, albeit a little disjointed compared to their other two albums (probably due to Aviv Geffen doing more of the writing versus Steven Wilson who was busy with his solo album – see #9 below). Nice orchestration and a solid offering from Blackfield.
	Dream Theater – A Dramatic Turn of Events :: I almost didn’t buy this album. I’m glad I did, but I’m still pretty pissed at the band for choosing to continue without founder/drummer Mike Portnoy after he expressed an interest in a short hiatus/breather. They picked up a drummer I like (Mike Mangini, who i saw play with Extreme in 1995), but a BIG piece of what I loved about DT (after Kevin Moore left in 1994) was Mike Portnoy’s energy. With his absence, I’m liking them less and less. The album is good, but it’s way more bitter than sweet to me.
	Foo Fighters – Wasting Light :: Dave Grohl is a modern rock genius. He rocks, he hooks, he continues to put out great music.
	Steven Bernstein’s Millennial Territory Orchestra – MTO Plays Sly :: A trumpet-led tribute to Sly and the Family Stone with guests vocalists. This superb collection is less funk, but still quite enjoyable. My favorite is the Antony-sung “Family Affair.”
	Florence + the Machine – Ceremonials :: Soulful baroque-rock chanteuse won me over with their first album Lungs, even though I didn’t pick it up this year. Her second album solidifies her as more than a fluke. The album is dancey and dark. Great for fans of Tori Amos & Kate Bush!
	Incubus – If Not Now, When? :: Incubus took some time off so guitarist Mike Einziger could work on his degree at Harvard and singer Brandon Boyd could put out some art as well as his solo album. They regrouped and put out an album that had a similar vibe to the ocean-groove Morning View. They aren’t breaking new ground, but they still have a solid position in my ears.
	The Jelly Jam – Shall We Descend :: The supergroup of Ty Tabor (King’s X), John Myung (Dream Theater) and Rod Morgenstein (Dixie Dregs) finally found some time to hit the studio! The result is an excellent rock album…
	Chevelle – Hats Off to the Bull :: Chevelle are a sleeper in my collection. I almost write them off and then with each album, I think how stupid it’d be to write them off. Great hard rock with a vocalist that reminds me of Maynard (Tool, etc). I really need to see this band live – I’ve yet to have a the chance…
	My Brightest Diamond & Murat Eyuboglu – Letters to Distant Cities :: A short spoken word album, featuring the words of Mustafa Ziyalan. Words spoken by Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond), backing music by Murat Eyubolu, with two songs sandwiching the poetry – one by MBD and one by Clare & the Reasons. A great arty piece.
	Jason Ludwig – Tanglings :: Jason Ludwig returns to the Cincinnati music scene after his 2010 band break up (Noctaluca) with two full-length albums (Tanglings and Lost in Love). Tanglings is my favorite of the two, but they’re both quite excellent. Well-produced, well-arranged, creative singer-songwriter that reminds me of a cross between the pop of Glen Hansard (of the Swell Season and the Frames) and the creative of Daniel Johns (of Silverchair). If you don’t like these albums, I’d be surprised.
	Hotel Lights – Girl Graffiti :: Darren Jesse was the drummer for Ben Folds Five, and wrote one of my absolute favorite songs for them – “Magic” from The Unauthorized Biography of Reinhold Messner. He puts down the sticks and picks up the guitar and vocal duties for Hotel Lights. This is HL’s 3rd album, and he continues to impress me with his versatile skills. Poppy indie rock.
	Eisley – The Valley :: The long gap between The Valley and their last album was trying for the band. After many contract dispute with their former label (Warner), they were finally set free. Many bands don’t make it out of contract disputes alive – it’s easier to break up sometimes. Well, thankfully it’s difficult for Eisley to break-up, as they’d still see each other at holidays and family get-togethers (the band consists of 3 sisters, a brother, and a cousin). The Valley picks up where 2007’s Combinations left off. Alt-pop-rock goodness. Vocal duties traded off between sisters Sherri & Stacy…
	Tori Amos – Night of the Hunters :: This was Tori’s first album on classical label Deutsche Grammophon. I was skeptical at first, not because of the classical bent. I knew she could handle that… I was skeptical due to the first artwork that looked plastic (which sadly stayed) and her last studio album was a lackluster (IMO) holiday album (blech). Tori enlists her daughter Natashya on some vocals, and delivers one of my favorite Tori albums since 2002’s Scarlet’s Walk.
	David Bazan – Strange Negotiations :: Continuing in his solo expressions after the official ceasing of Pedro the Lion, David Bazan manifests wit, a sharp tongue, and a questioning mind into his DIY-indie rock. This year, he toured quite a bit, solo and with a band. An album last year (Curse Your Branches), an album this year, and another on the way. He’s slogging away, trekking all over the country, and making some great music on the way.
	Steven Wilson – Grace for Drowning :: Porcupine Tree frontman Steven Wilson is a hard worker. Whether he’s producing albums for others or making albums & touring with PT, Blackfield, No-Man, Storm Corrosion, or solo – he’s always busy each and every year. This year brought his second solo album and a small tour. The album is a bit more stripped down from his other projects. It is reminiscent of Pink Floyd in spots – specifically this song “Home in Negative.” He also rocks out a bit in the almost two hour double album… check out the video for “Track One” here (it’s a bit bleak then startling). Gorgeous work.
	Wussy – Strawberry :: Well, I was super happy when I found out that Wussy was putting out their fourth full-length studio album this year. They’re a fantastic rock quartet made up of Chuck Cleaver, Lisa Walker, Mark Messerly, and Joe Klug. They write catchy, poppy choruses and meld it perfectly with Midwest Americana-meets-indie-rock grit (or “Midwestern drone” as their press says). Vocal duties are traded off with Chuck (of Ass Ponys) and Lisa (of Magic Words).
	Radiohead – The King of Limbs :: I could probably put an “indie” icon next to Radiohead… I think technically they put TKOL out by themselves. But they’re a huge superpower of a band. I like this record, but I’ll admit that it’s still sinking in… I need to give it some more spins. This album spawned a seven 7″ vinyl remix set. The video for “Lotus Flower” also spawned a silly “Thom Yorke dancing” meme… one of my favorites being the tennis/fish and the “Single Ladies” editions.
	Jeffrey Foucault – Horse Latitudes :: Jeffrey Foucault is a favorite Americana artist that I got turned on to by singer-songwriter/storyteller Peter Mulvey. Jeffrey and Peter work together in the band Redbird (with David Goodrich and Jeffrey’s wife Kris Delmhorst). I didn’t pick up Jeffrey’s albums until the past year and a half. He’s definitely more on the cusp of country than I tend to traverse, but I dig his authenticity, poetic wit and charm. He’s a delight on stage and a fantastic John Prine-esque songwriter for the new generation.
	Opeth – Heritage :: Mikael Åkerfeldt hangs up the cookie monster vocals and “Swedish death metal” rattle and puts out a solid heavy metal album that is a tribute to his progressive metal ancestors. I’ll admit, I miss the heavier side, but it’s still good to see Mikael evolve.
	Over the Rhine – The Long Surrender :: For those that don’t know Over the Rhine, they started out as a four piece in Cincinnati in 1989 and put out their “post-nuclear, pseudo-alternative, folk-tinged art-pop” indie debut ‘Til We Have Faces in 1991. After about a decade as a four-piece, Ric Hordinski (guitars) & Brian Kelley (drums) left. Karin Bergquist (vocals) & Linford Detweiler (keys) carried on the Over the Rhine flame throughout the years… moving away from a rockier feel to a more folky-pop-Americana thing. What I like about Over the Rhine is they continually change and evolve into a different band with each album and each outing. I’ve seen them rock out, I’ve seen them jazz it up, I’ve seen them happy, I’ve seen them somber, I’ve seen them celebratory, and I’ve seen them tell stories that will make you laugh and cry.
	dredg – Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy :: I love this band. I hate the album title, but I love the band. Modern progressive rock, tons of talent, thoughtful lyrics, none of that “prog wankery” that is generally detestable. While it’s hard for them to follow-up the stunning The Pariah The Parrot The Delusion (from 2009), this new album does a hearty job of maintaining their quality rock standards.
	My Brightest Diamond – All Things Will Unwind :: Shara Worden (aka My Brightest Diamond) took some time off since her last album – 2008′s A Thousand Shark’s Teeth. She put out some stunning collaborations in the past three years (see #15 above) including her first kiddo; so the lapse in studio work was a-OK. On this album, Shara teams up with NYC-based ensemble yMusic to create a lush backdrop for her gorgeous voice. I can’t praise this album enough!
	Puscifer – Conditions of My Parole :: Tool / A Perfect Circle frontman Maynard James Keenan makes wine and makes other music in his time off from Tool and APC. I loved Puscifer’s debut and the subsequent EP, but this album tops it all. It’s a brilliant record, recorded in one of his wine cellars with his friends – featuring backing vocals from Carina Round. It’s self-released by Puscifer music with a small distribution partner (available in indie shops, primarily). The tour this year was great (I caught Seattle), and I’m glad they’re heading out in the spring again (I’ll be at Portland).

Check out the 2011 Mix for some samples, click the Amazon buttons for other samples, and support the music if you like what you hear!

My Other Favorites of 2011 Recaps:

Fave Concerts & Photos of ‘11 are recapped *HERE*
Fave EPs/Vinyl/Live/DVDs/more of ‘11 are *HERE*
Fave Instrumental Albums ‘11 are coming soon
Old Years:
- 2010: Instrumental, Vocal, EPs/etc, Concerts,
- Best of the 2000s Decade (1-10, 11-20, 21-25)
- 2009: Instrumental, Vocal, EPs/etc, Concerts
- 2008: Instrumental, Vocal, EPS/etc, Concerts
- 2007: Vocal, Instrumental, Concerts
- 2006 & 2005

~Dan – np: Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross – The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo

REVIEW: Jeffrey Foucault @ Cozmic Pizza (Eugene, OR – 10/20/11)

21st Oct 11 (Fri) 1 comment

FYI… PHOTOS of the SHOW at the BOTTOM

I’ve been to many shows at Cozmic Pizza in downtown Eugene, but this was my first time in their newly remodeled place. Great new ordering queue/system, same great beer & pizza, great new stage, great new sound system. I can’t recommend the new digs enough!! On to the show…

I got there right after sound check… chatted with some folks, ordered some grub, an settled in for the opener. Jeffery Martin, from Eugene, played about a half hour set. His sound fit well with Jeffrey Foucault’s… Jeff #1 had an earthy, folky, Americana storyteller vibe. He didn’t necessarily “jump out” at me, but many singer-songwriters can bore. Bottom line: I’d see Jeffery Martin again. He was solid at his craft. He’s local; so I’ll most likely get a chance to see him again soon.

Jeffrey Foucault hit the stage shortly after 9. He had slide guitarist Jay Carter (?) with him for most of the set. They had just met / played together for the first time at the Seattle show. Despite their newness, they worked well together. The set contained a lot of the material (8 songs) from Jeffrey’s latest album, Horse Latitudes (samples via image to the right). Jeffrey showcased his gritty, superb storytelling in his lyrics and was in a good jokey spirit in between songs.

Foucault’s Setlist: about an hour

Last Night I Dreamed of Television
Goners Most
Starlight and Static
Pretty Girl in a Small Town
Passerines
Horse Latitudes
“Statesboro Blues” [Chris Dombrowski poem]
Twice I Left Her
Mesa, Arizona
Sixteen Tons [Merle Travis]
The Bluest Blade
Idaho
Everybody’s Famous
Encore: I Won’t Back Down [Tom Petty]

The encore was dedicated to Tom Petty – as his birthday is October 20th. The only disappointment of the night (well, once the loud couple was told to shut up by a fellow audience member) was that Ryan Adams was playing down the street at the Shedd at the same time as Foucault’s gig. I actually had a ticket to see Ryan Adams, but when I found out about Jeffery playing, I sold it (the heart wants what the heart wants). Jeffrey’s audience was a little sparse due to that scheduling coincidence (I think there’s some good crossover between the two artists).

more photos below

The Appropriate Linkage:

Jeffrey Foucault’s Site
Jeffrey’s Social Media Links (see below)
Jeffery Martin‘s Facebook
My Other Related Reviews~

Mulvey & Foucault @ The Woods (Portland – Oct 2010)
Mulvey & Foucault @ Sam Bond’s (Eugene – Oct 2010)

Cozmic’s Site / Facebook / Twitter

Check Jeffrey’s remaining 2011 tour dates below.

Next show for me… a house show with Gonzalo Bergara Quartet on 10/23 Sunday in Eugene.

~Dan – np: Puscifer – Conditions of My Parole

JEFFREY FOUCAULT PHOTOS
all pictures (cc) 2011 Daniel Temmesfeld,
you may use freely under a creative commons attribution

(click for larger)

Jeffrey Foucault Fall 2011 Tour

10.18.11 Seattle, WA Fremont Abbey With Danny Barnes
10.19.11 Portland, OR The Woods Shelley Short opens
10.20.11 Eugene, OR Cozmic Pizza Jeffery Martin opens
10.21.11 Arcata, CA Arcata Playhouse Rorey Carroll opens
10.24.11 Felton, CA Don Quixote’s International Music
10.25.11 San Francisco, CA Cafe Du Nord Kate Gaffney opens
11.05.11 Fall River, MA Narrows Center for the Arts Support to Rosanne Cash
12.01.11 Portland, ME One Longfellow Square Seven Curses with Mark Erelli
12.02.11 Brooklyn, NY Union Hall Seven Curses with Mark Erelli
12.03.11 Pawtucket, RI Stone Soup Coffeehouse Seven Curses with Mark Erelli
12.08.11 Evanston, IL SPACE
12.13.11 Marshfield, WI Vox Concert Series Hayward Williams opens

Categories: Concert Photos, Indie Rock, Rock & Pop, Singer-Songwriter Tags: americana, concert photos, concert review, cozmic pizza, eugene, jeffrey foucault, oregon, peter mulvey, roots, ryan adams, set list, setlist, singer-songwriter

Favorite Concerts of 2010

23rd Dec 10 (Thu) 7 comments

Well, this year’s concert seasons were especially good to me… 365 days, 79 shows, 149 artists, many long nights driving home, and a lot of photos…

My favorite concerts of 2010:

Sufjan Stevens :: Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall :: Portland, OR {29 Oct} [review with photos] – completely stunning show
Toad the Wet Sprocket :: Crystal Ballroom :: Portland, OR {28 Jul} [review with photos] – I am a slave to Glen & Co’s alt-pop
Jon Þor “Jónsi” Birgisson (of Sigur Rós) :: Roseland Theater :: Portland, OR {13 Apr} [review with photos] – stupendous stage show
Nellie McKay :: Berbati’s Pan :: Portland, OR {31 Mar} [review with photos] – missed her Eugene show while at Sufjan, I heard that show was also “the bomb”
Dream Theater :: Roseland Theater :: Portland, OR {21 Jun} [review with photos] – made more special after Mike Portnoy left the band this fall
Tegan and Sara :: Keller Auditorium :: Portland, OR {8 Apr} [review with photos] – first time seeing them, not too be missed
Holy Fuck (twice) :: Mississippi Studios & Holocene :: Portland, OR {6 Jun & 14 Oct} [reviews with photos #1 & #2] – one of the most consistently great live acts, Holocene show was better, but Mississippi was also rad…
Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa :: McDonald Theatre :: Eugene, OR {12 Jun} [review with photos] – keeping the FZ torch alive!
Dave Douglas’ Brass Ecstasy :: PDX Jazz Fest / Crystal Ballroom :: Portland, OR {28 Feb} [review with photos] – honestly, all of these Top 15 could be #1 in a slow concert year
Over the Rhine (twice) :: WOW Hall & Aladdin Theater :: Eugene & Portland, OR {15 & 17 Nov} [reviews with photos #1 & #2] – twice after three years of OTR drought for me
Charlie Hunter Trio (twice) :: WOW Hall & Sam Bond’s Garage :: Eugene, OR {18 May & 16 Dec} [reviews with photos #1 & #2] – Charlie has a pact with the devil… he’s too good…
Peter Mulvey & Jeffrey Foucault (twice) :: The Woods & Sam Bond’s Garage :: Portland & Eugene, OR {22 & 24 Oct} [reviews with photos #1 & #2] – both brilliant storytellers before VH1 made it a show
Susan Enan :: House Show :: Eugene, OR {15 Jul} [review with photos] – at our house… super fun & intimate
Damien Jurado :: Mississippi Studios :: Portland, OR {27 Feb} [review] – I didn’t know more than half of the songs, but it didn’t matter
Medeski Martin & Wood :: McDonald Theatre :: Eugene, OR {25 Feb} [review with photos] – jazz dance party!

Runners-Up: Bill Frisell Trio at The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, Fishtank Ensemble at a Eugene House Show, Pink Martini at The Hult Center / Oregon Bach Festival, Trio Subtonic & the Dead Kenny G’s at Mt. Tabor Theater, The Weepies at Aladdin Theater. Even after honorable mentions, I cut some GREAT ones… 2010 was a great year.

My favorite concert photos of 2010: (in chronological order)

(all images are free to use under a creative commons designation, simply identify Daniel Temmesfeld with a photo credit and link to jazzsick.wordpress.com, or items noted with emobiephotography.com is photo credit Margaret O’Brien)

Past Favorite Concerts Lists:

Favorite music of 2010 will be coming soon… EPs/DVDs/etc, vocal albums, instrumental albums, artists of the decade…

~Dan – np: nine inch nails – broken

REDBIRD Live (Mulvey/Foucault/Delmhorst/Goodrich)

5th Dec 10 (Sun) 1 comment

Redbird, the folk supergroup made up of Peter Mulvey / Jeffrey Foucault / Kris Delmhorst / David Goodrich, is coming out with their second album…

Each December for the past seven years Redbird has played a sold-out three-night stand at the venerable Café Carpe in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. Now Redbird Live at the Café Carpe invites you into the session, culling from these intimate shows performances of songs ranging from Mississippi John Hurt to Merle Haggard and Tin Pan Alley (along with a few well-chosen originals), and recapturing the magic and depth of songs passed between friends in a crowded bar.

I’m Beginning to see the Light
Strangers
What Made Milwaukee Famous
Come All Ye Fair and Tender Ladies
For the Turnstiles
Ships
Snowed In
Let the Mermaids Flirt With Me
Silver Wings
Ooh La La
Phonebooth of Love
Stewart’s Coat
Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad, and Faraway From Home (Mulvey)
4 & 20 Blues (Foucault)
http://younghunter.com/store/redbird-live.php

Mine is gladly on order… I’d urge you to follow suit. You won’t be disappointed. I’d also highly recommend their first album – a studio venture (out in 2005).

~Dan – np: Frank Zappa – Broadway the Hard Way

Categories: Music News Tags: Café Carpe, david goodrich, folk, jeffrey foucault, kris delmhorst, live, live album, new album, peter mulvey, pop, redbird, singer-songwriter

REVIEW: Peter Mulvey & Jeffrey Foucault @ Sam Bond’s (Eugene, OR – 10/24/10)

25th Oct 10 (Mon) 9 comments

Summing Peter Mulvey and Jeffrey Foucault‘s travelling show in one word would be: “authentic.” This was round two for me (link here for my Friday Portland review with photos); so I’ll keep it short and sweet.

They hit the stage at Sam Bond’s around 8:45 and played two great sets. The show was partially more of the same, but don’t take that the wrong way… it was definitely not a disappointment. Switching off on vocal duties, about a half originals and half covers. They also switched up about half of their setlist from the Friday show… great show as usual for these gents. Quite a talky crowd, but still a bit more subdued than a normal Sam Bond’s crowd.

Setlist: 90+ minutes

Set 1: Starlight and Static (Jeffrey on vocals, new tune)
Kids in the Square (Peter on vocals)
Mesa, Arizona (JF)
The Obvious Child [Paul Simon] (PM)
Pretty Girl in a Small Town (JF, new tune)
Shirt (PM)
Last Night I Dreamed of Television (JF, new tune)
Some People (PM)
Goners Most (JF, new tune)
But I Do [Bobby Charles] (PM)
Set 2: Everybody Knows [Leonard Cohen] (PM)
City Flower (JF)
Ithaca [Redbird] (PM)
Tulsa Time [Don Williams] (JF)
Duncan and Brady [P.D.] (PM)
Late Season (JF)
Diamond and Gold [Tom Waits] (PM)
Tea and Tobacco (JF, new tune)
Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad (and Far Away From Home) (PM)
4 & 20 Blues (JF)
Encore: Tecumseh Valley [Townes Van Zandt] (PM/JF)
thanks to Eric for JF new tunes/song identification

more photos below

Re-posting Friday’s NEWS from the stage:

Jeffrey Foucault has a new album out called Cold Satellite. Peter Mulvey has recorded a new duet instrumental album with longtime collaborator David “Goody” Goodrich – release next year(?). And the Peter & Jeffrey collaboration with Kris Delmhorst and Goody called Redbird has a second installment on the horizon. It’s already been mastered (woot!), and the last four songs will have the explicit tag in iTunes. It was recorded live, but they didn’t mention live in studio or live on stage. I guess we’ll see.

Kris Delmhorst (Jeffrey’s wife, fellow singer-songwriter) is coming to Eugene… Tsunami Books on Saturday, November 6th – 8pm. Make note!

The Appropriate Linkage:

Peter Mulvey’s Site
Peter Mulvey’s Social Media Links (click below)

Jeffrey Foucault’s Site
Jeffrey Foucault’s Social Media Links (he doesn’t appear to have any?)
Past Related Reviews~
- Peter Mulvey Double-Weekend (Eugene & Portland – Oct 2009)
- Mulvey & Foucault @ The Woods (Portland – Oct 2010)
The Woods PDX’s Site / Facebook / Twitter

Check out more tour dates below.

~Dan – np: Carissa’s Wierd – Songs About Leaving

PETER MULVEY & JEFFREY FOUCAULT PHOTOS
Eugene pictures (cc) 2010 Margaret O’Brien
of Emobie Photography, you may use freely
under a creative commons attribution

(click for larger)

Mulvey & Foucault West Coast 2010 Tour Dates

10.22 – The Woods – Portland, OR
10.23 – Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA
10.24 – Sam Bond’s Garage – Eugene, OR
10.25 – Arcata Playhouse – Arcata, CA
10.26 – Freight and Salvage – Berkely, CA
10.27 – Maverick Saloon – Santa Ynez, CA – w/ Bonnie Prince Billy
10.29 – McCabe’s – Santa Monica, CA
10.30 – Janey’s Coffee House – Cave Creek, AZ

Categories: Concert Photos, Indie Rock, Rock & Pop, Singer-Songwriter Tags: concert photos, concert review, eugene, folk, jeffrey foucault, kris delmhorst, oregon, peter mulvey, pop, sam bond's, sam bond's garage, set list, setlist, singer-songwriter

REVIEW: Peter Mulvey & Jeffrey Foucault @ The Woods (Portland, OR – 10/22/10)

23rd Oct 10 (Sat) 1 comment

FYI… PHOTOS of the SHOW at the BOTTOM

Last night was my first time to The Woods in SE Portland. One word: melikey. Nice cozy living room feel in the middle of an old funeral parlour. Random chairs, couches, beer & wine, candles, and a well laid out listening room. It was actually the perfect listening room for the likes of Peter Mulvey and Jeffrey Foucault. They had the early show last night; so we shuffled into the venue and found some seats… we got up close (but to the right of the stage). There’s not really a bad spot in the house… but a tip, if you come to a show at The Woods – show up early for the primo spots.

The guys got on the stage shortly after 7:30, and kicked into a hour and half set of songs, trading off in the vocal slot. They played a few originals, a few covers, told some stories, and warmed the crowd with their all around genuineness. Both of these men are prime performers – excellent songwriters and guitarists in their own right, but they really draw you in with their humanity, humility and… well… their charm.

They reminded me a lot of the Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt show from last fall in their trade-off approach and general witty banter. Their song selection was also excellent… I didn’t know all of the songs, but I loved them all.

Setlist: about 90 minutes

Everybody Knows [Leonard Cohen] (Peter on vocals)
Starlight and Static (Jeffrey on vocals, new tune)
On the Way Up (PM)
Mesa, Arizona (JF)
Some People (PM)
Last Night I Dreamed of Television (JF, new tune)
Trempealeau (PM – new song?)
“Don’t Fuck with my Miller Time” [Andy Friedman & the Other Failures] (JF/PM)
O My Star! [Anais Mitchell] (PM)
Train to Jackson (JF)
Knuckleball Suite (PM)
Passerines (JF, new tune)
We’ll Go No More A-Roving [Kris Delmhorst/Lord Byron] (PM)
Anybody’s Heaven [Kris Delmhorst] (JF)
Let the Mermaids Flirt With Me [Mississippi John Hurt] (PM)
Real Love (JF, new tune)
Sad, Sad, Sad, Sad (and Far Away From Home) (PM)
4 & 20 Blues (JF)
Encore: Moonshiner [Bob Dylan] (JF)
thanks to Eric for JF new tunes/song identification