I wasn’t sure what to expect from Diane Birch’s performance at Stubb’s this past Sunday, as I was not familiar with her music, and I hadn’t yet done much research.
I arrive a little early to find the venue full of very enthusiastic fans awaiting her performance. I learn from some of them that Birch is the daughter of a preacher man, she listens only to vinyl records, and many folks discovered her when she opened for James Morrison. As soon as Birch takes the stage and begins the first song, I know I am witnessing a special talent. Birch sits behind an old Rhodes, her chair stacked tall with newspapers to make it the right height, belting her lyrics with a confidence and possession that belies her young age.
Her band is tight and clearly enjoys the music, and the crowd is right there with them. Birch’s style is indeed evocative of classic rock and soul singers of the highest caliber, and she brings strong elements of gospel, funk, and folk to her music as well. People have rightfully drawn comparisons to Karen Carpenter, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and others. Many aspects of her music are a throwback to classic rock and soul while still maintaining its own unique sound that has its place in today’s popular music catalog. She and her band achieve an effortless and authentic analog sound that makes plenty of references to vintage soul while also making their own unique contribution. After an hour set, the band comes back on stage for a two-song encore, one of which is a fantastically energetic arrangement of Tom Petty’s “You Don’t Know How it Feels.”
After the show, Birch and her band stand outside to sign copies of her debut album Bible Belt. It’s a testament to the magnetism of her talent that 98% of the audience waited in line to buy their own copy and have the chance to meet her. I left the show a new fan, and I will definitely keep track of her work in the future and make a point to see her perform next time she passes through town.
DOWNLOAD: Diane Birch - Fire Escape (MP3) or Follow us for more Diane Birch MP3s (Twitter)
Probably johnston has wrote a excellent article for the readers and are excellent photographs and thanks for sharing your thoughts
by fake tattoo on Wed Mar 10, 2010 at 10.03 pm from the entry: The Reverend Horton Heat + Nekromantix – Wonder Ballroom (Portland, OR; Jul. 9, 2009)
ha, yes! the photogs in the front row were drooling throughout the entire set…
by chris on Wed Mar 10, 2010 at 01.05 pm from the entry: Washed Out + Small Black - Mercury Lounge (New York, NY; Mar. 7, 2010)
nice pics Chris. Don’t you love it when the artist brings some cool light. It’s a bunch of low hanging fruit after that.
by colin on Wed Mar 10, 2010 at 12.53 pm from the entry: Washed Out + Small Black - Mercury Lounge (New York, NY; Mar. 7, 2010)
WOMP WOMP WOMP WOMP WOMP
by BASSHEAD on Tue Mar 9, 2010 at 04.02 pm from the entry: Ginuwine's "Pony" Deconstructed Through Dubstep (Remix)
James,
E-mail me: info@jaredfroiland.com
Thanks!
by Jared Froiland on Tue Mar 9, 2010 at 12.37 am from the entry: State Radio - Showbox (Seattle, WA; Jan.19, 2010)
Check out a sick interview back\slash Magazine did with LMFAO about how they blew up in a down economy, the struggles of entrepreneurship, and getting high.
Here is the link: http://www.backslashonline.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=317:lmfao-entrepreneurship-interview&Itemid=56
by Mike McComack on Mon Mar 8, 2010 at 10.24 pm from the entry: Photo Feature! Black Eyed Peas + Ludacris + LMFAO - TD BankNorth Garden (Boston, MA; Feb. 26, 2010)
Life was better in the 909
by ari on Mon Mar 8, 2010 at 10.21 pm from the entry: 3 songs off Lupe's new record unveiled in Claremont, CA
