Rhythm Section

Special night capping off Brian McSweeney’s residency with a strong and diverse bill of songwriters. Leslie Beukelman opened things with a beautiful solo set. We got to hangout before the show and I discovered she plays several instruments and is active in the local jazz circles. Can certainly hear a thorough understanding of harmony in her song writing - surprising dissonances and an unconventional approach to form.

Playing with BirdXButterfly has been refreshing - they write with that highly sought after simplicity that can be hard to find in most scenes. I need to listen hard and lay back with these guys. The music is so purposeful and intentional that it only needs a few notes here and there. My favorite is their newest tune Versailles. I get to add a little B3 color in there which allows me to step into their style of doing a lot with a little.

Of course, the headliner Brian McSweeney moved the entire room with his set. Paul and Frances (songwriters of BirdXButterfly) backed him up with several layers to fully encompass Brian’s message. They performed his latest album Go To Pieces, a body of work concerning the big stuff; uncomfortable truths, our tragic nature as human beings, love. Take a drive with this album and enjoy his masterful song writing.

If you enjoy bands like Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, Angus and Julia Stone, The Civil Wars, Iron and Wine, you should definitely check out these artists!