The Wickedly Talented
Serenading Our Wicked Lady
When I booked last week’s show at Our Wicked Lady, I didn’t know I’d booked the roof. Two years earlier, I’d played downstairs at OWL’s small but perfectly nice bar venue, sharing a bill with Nan MacMillan and my friend Evan’s then-new band project, Open Blue. That was a nice night; friends showing up in loving clusters, damp and warm from the summer storm soaking the streets of Bushwick.
But, lo and behold, the roof! I’d never been up there. A petite slice of turf, painted wooden deck, and bar, plus a roomy stage complete with a colorful backdrop of lamp bulbs. The acoustics were good, and the sky was clear.
Sister act Dorée and Jolee Gordon kicked off the night, taking turns performing songs from their individual projects. Their familial closeness is evident in their tight-knit, warm vocals, and the songs were dappled with Jolee’s delightful bass and synth, and Dorée’s nylon guitar and light percussion. I love sisters making music together!! There’s nothing like it. Catch Jolee in LA and Dorée around NYC on a regular basis.
After a quick break for all present to consume more Narragansett, Evan Moore led his band Open Blue through some of my favorite soulful folk ballads of theirs including “Another Decade” and a new tune about a young woman who hasn’t learned to speak. Evan’s unique storytelling sprinkles in socialism, gentle love songs, and feel-good twangy tunes that marry classic Bill Callahan and Smog records with modern indie like Slaughter Beach, Dog.
Then it was time for my set! Evan and Sam both play in my band, so in true good sport fashion, they dutifully graced the stage for the second time that night. We played a solid combo set of old and new tunes, as well as a new song I’m calling “Fluke”. I’ll share more about that soon.
After a full night, many of us headed downstairs for well-earned arepas from Arepas Colombianas and made merry in the bar with more ‘gansett to boot. Thanks to all who came out!
Here're my upcoming shows:
5/23 Brooklyn, NY at Our Wicked Lady w/ Dorée & Jolee Go, Open Blue
5/28 Manhattan, NY at Sofar Sounds
6/5 Manhattan, NY at Sofar Sounds
6/18 Manhattan, NY for Unplugged NY at Nublu Classic
6/30 Brooklyn, NY at C’Mon Everybody w/ Leche Malo, Yael S. Copeland
8/16 Wilmington, NC at Bourgie Nights w/ Olivia Gillaspie, Fudge