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It’s a double-header today! Do you get it? This means I really think you should check out the show tonight…
I must have lucked into it (or Mary just picked the perfect random show from the local listings) but sitting on the floor in a strange record shop was the perfect setting for my first exposure to Lewis and Clarke. It’s just one man and his guitar, though you’ll hear other instruments and such coming through in recordings (and perhaps at some shows – I don’t actually know for sure) – but the songs have a way of wrapping themselves around you, the circular movement of sounds resonating so strongly that you can feel it deep inside. Even if you’re not into folk music, or if you think it’s a little too weird or mystical, there’s no way that you can escape Lou Rogai’s voice – it’s soft and gentle and confident. The songs of Lewis and Clarke tell the stories that hide inside your head – and beautifully.
With several albums of assorted shapes and sizes (including a vinyl pressing of a live radio performance) there is a good amount of material to explore. A new album, Blasts of Holy Birth, is due in February. For now, I suggest you start with 2005’s near perfect Bare Bones and Branches. The title track (which also appear on the Solid PR comp that came out a while back) is simply outstanding. Here’s the (very hypnotic) live verion of it from the WPRB session.
Lewis and Clarke – “Bare Bones and Branches (live WPRB)”
Listen to more here and on Myspace.
Lewis and Clarke plays tonight with The Black Swans at the Marquise Dance Hall in Williamsburg. He’ll also be back in town next month, playing a Jezebel Music show on February 24th (my birthday!) at Union Pool (also in Williamsburg.)
I know there are a lot of options for shows tonight – you’ve got Mission of Burma (robotinev) at Irving Plaza (but Turing Machine dropped off the show, Parts & Labor took their place – not a bad trade); Takka Takka (robotinev)@ the Knitting Factory, Jealous Girlfriends @ Trash (but you’re coming to see them at Union Hall with MiG next week anyway, right?); the Luna Lounge opening with the Comas; and the Jezebel Music benefit show a Northsix (with a super tight lineup including the charming Via Audio). Whew. That’s a lot for one night. All great options, but I strongly suggest you head over to Marquise Dance Hall (251 Grand St) at 8pm to see Lewis and Clarke and The Black Swans.
