I got to see Judson Claiborne for two nights in Seattle. And you didn’t.
If I sound a bit like a child brandishing my ice cream cone while you have none, well… this is how I felt after hearing this Chicago-based group play both the Can Can at Pike Place and The Sunset Tavern in Ballard. Remarkably, both shows were sparsely attended. Whether this was due to weather or the weeknight, it didn’t matter; the music they shared felt like a treat just for me.
Judson Claiborne, a band and not a person, has the requisite ingredients of a roots-rock outfit: an acoustic-playing singer-songwriter type up front, electric guitar, drums, and bass guitar, all manned by average-looking friendly types that could easily populate any local bookstore or coffee shop. So simple, familiar, and comfortable was their stage set up (except for the pickle-bucket kick drum) that I set my expectations low.
When Judson Claiborne took the stage, it was so early, I thought they might be doing a sound check (there were two other patrons in the room). Further, the early notes coming out of the guitars were so sparse and tentative, I was sure they weren’t going to play a song. I’m so happy I was wrong. Chris began singing, and the rest of the band joined in terraced succession: Jamie on drums matching Chris’s acoustic; Ryan adding bass just as needed; and Darrell coloring with the electric. The slow building effect was atmospheric, moody, subtle and powerful all at once. The band quickly surpassed my expectations.
Judson Claiborne uses simple themes and two and three chord combinations that allow so much room, that when they add layers and build to anthemic proportions, they still carry the message of the song, recognizable from its earliest notes. This cohesiveness followed them through their set; whether the next song’s mood lightened or darkened, the formula as vocal-vehicle song-story supported by thoughtful instrumentation held up wonderfully.
Chris Salveter’s uses his lyrical and pleasant voice carefully. Often, his voice is as important to the melodic theme of the songs as for delivering lyrics. The use of some subtle but purposeful instrumental dissonance caught my attention, and when I recognized it both live and on their recordings, it made me feel even more familiar with their music, like an interesting, if a bit quirky, friend. Particularly powerful, I caught myself humming their tune “Twilight Spirit” the day after the show: always a good sign of a great show.
DOWNLOAD: Judson Claiborne - Twilight Spirit (MP3) or Follow us for more Judson Claiborne MP3s (Twitter)
Oh I see. I was wondering if you were talking about the picture. Really glad you liked it. Have you checked her out yet?
by Colin on Sun Mar 14, 2010 at 02.29 pm from the entry: Interview - Kelli Schaefer (Portland, OR; Winter, 2010)
yes! The interview is great, and the photo shows off the glow
by Ian on Sun Mar 14, 2010 at 01.29 pm from the entry: Interview - Kelli Schaefer (Portland, OR; Winter, 2010)
Great post! Really digging the new record a lot. The Rainwater LP has some gorgeous moments - definitely recommend checking it out. There are 3 of the new songs up on the myspace page: myspace.com/citizencope
by MattKlomp on Sun Mar 14, 2010 at 03.16 am from the entry: Citizen Cope - Paradise Theater (Boston, MA; Feb. 27, 2010 )
haha is that a compliment?
by colin on Sat Mar 13, 2010 at 06.49 pm from the entry: Interview - Kelli Schaefer (Portland, OR; Winter, 2010)
love that melophobe has more “couples” reviewers, and more “Ian/Ion/Ian/Iain” than the average site…
by Ian on Sat Mar 13, 2010 at 06.48 pm from the entry: sevendust + drowning pool + digital summer + the flood - showbox market (seattle, WA; Mar 07, 2010
you’re positively glowing in this interview, Colin
by Ian on Sat Mar 13, 2010 at 06.46 pm from the entry: Interview - Kelli Schaefer (Portland, OR; Winter, 2010)
Hey Merseilles did a live web show at sonicbirds office gig on Friday that was pretty spectacular. Can anyone find a copy of that?
by Smallweed on Sat Mar 13, 2010 at 11.40 am from the entry: SXSW Send Off Show - Visqueen + Hey Marseilles - Neumos (Seattle, WA; Mar. 5, 2010)
That was a fun show and they were terrific. Just to clarify however, neither I nor Corespondents are in the band Judson Clairborne, though you might think it by the photos posted here with no mention of either us in the article.
I caught the tail end of Sunset show and was totally blown away by the beauty! Hope they return!