My Friday night turned out to be amazing. Catching a concert I thought I'd miss, I was able to get front row for an amazing night of songwriters: Maria Taylor and Josh Rouse.
Maria Taylor is a brilliant and beautiful chanteuse who plays some great alt-rock/folk music. I saw her play Southpaw back in March, and was expecting a similar group and a similar vibe, but she has a newly renovated look from her Lynn Teeter Flower crew. Last time around she had both her brother and sister playing with her, but no longer. The group is now whittled down to a trio, and the music is tighter than ever.
After starting off with "Birmingham 1982," Taylor introduced the first of 3 new songs, "Timelapse Lifeline." The song was upbeat and grabbed my nod for one of the top tracks of the night. "Leap Year" was (like last time) stripped bare and slower than the original, but equally astounding. "A Good Start" was next, followed by another new one, "Orchids," this one a ballad. "Clean Getaway" was outstanding. Taylor then played another new song, tentatively titled "New Song," which was written in the past 3 weeks and which required lyric sheets. It was amazing. It included the words lyrics "Did you know our love will never die?," so if you come across it, be greatful. She rounded out the night with "Song Beneath the Song," despite the cries for a longer set.
Then it was on to Josh Rouse. The 35-year old singer/songwriter has been putting out consistently good tunes for the past several years, despite being ridiculously under the radar. Ever since he came out with 1972, I have enjoyed each and every one of this guy's albums, and his recent record, Country Mouse, City House, is no exception. This was my first time seeing Rouse - I tried to see him with Leonna Naess with my brother back in 2001, but we couldn't get in because I wasn't 21. Bummer. All that was rectified and I'm really glad it was.
Rouse played a lot of music. He was joined on stage with his band and the guys looked great in their jazzy suits. Josh is touring in support of his most recent effort, and played a bit more off that album, but he also played a really diverse cross-section of his other albums. His band was also phenomenal and tight, and his vocals have always been some of my favorites in the business.
My highlights from the night included "Comeback (Light Therapy)," "Quiet Town," "Love Vibration," and "1972," but I had to leave before the encore. I was a bit disappointed that he didn't play "Sunshine (Come On Lady)," but in all honesty the rest of the set more than made up for it.
If I had another chance to catch Rouse (or Taylor, for that matter), I would jump on it. You should to. Check 'em out.
More photos here.
Josh Rouse Setlist:
Pilgrim
God, Please Let Me Go Back
Hollywood Bass Player
Comeback (Light Therapy)
Saturday
Quiet Town
Love Vibration
Nice to Fit In
Snowy
Carolina
My Love Has Gone
Sweetie
Why Won't You Tell Me What
1972
It Looks Like Love
It's The Night Time
Directions
Sad Eyes
[mp3] Josh Rouse - "1972" (1972) | iTunes
[mp3] Josh Rouse - "God, Please Let Me Go Back" (Country Mouse, City Mouse) | iTunes
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