Last time I saw Mirah, she was playing the living room of an historic house in Walla Walla, WA, a small town that was fortunate enough to be the first stop on a number K Records tours. Even as a student, when the cost of a CD was equal to two mind numbing hours working at the library, Mirah’s performances compelled me to buy her albums. In the seven or eight years since, her albums have never be been out of my stereo for more than a few months, and her music remained intertwined with fond memories of a handful of intimate performances. I was excited to see her so much later, but I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised that a few elements of the performance would be different this time around.
It was the same Mirah onstage, still with her Gibson guitar, slow-paced songs, and slightly obscure, but poetic, lyrics. But this time (1) Mirah had a band, and (2) Mirah was playing Antone’s, the grandfather of Austin’s great music venues. The band was a great addition, and allowed songs derived from a very stripped-down aesthetic to rise to filled-in crescendos and choruses. The venue was also appropriate, given its great sound system and accoustics, but unfortunately the sounds of people talking over the music carried just as well. But Mirah stuck to her guns and didn’t heed requests to turn up the vocals. Instead, she just reminded the crowd, “I sing quiet.”
And Mirah proceeded to (quietly) perform a set including fan favorite “Cold Cold Water,” and my personal favorite, “Jerusalem.” Even in a larger venue, with a backing band, the performance retained a sense of intimacy and honesty. This led me to conclude that if Mirah’s new hometown, Portland, were an adjective, it would perfectly describe her stage presence (utterly without pretense, taking occasionaly pauses to sip water from an aluminum bottle) and her band’s (reserved but earnest, sporting the occasional hint of a smile). Ultimately, even though I wish the people by the bar had kept it down a bit, I’m happy to have a new, already fond, memory to fold into Mirah’s refreshing and renewing music.
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i saw them open for the Cave Singers, not very original, the crowd was not into it either, frankly i think they suck
by rigamarole on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 11.30 am from the entry: The Dutchess & The Duke Tour Dates, Y'all
hey u gotta give yoko credit for winning that many gold medals, for a woman her age to compete in a sport like speed skating is nothing short of amazing! go yoko!
by rockmonovich on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 11.25 am from the entry: Is Kate Moss the next Yoko?
Great post.really he has the ability that he can do anything possible.Thanks
SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CEMETERY
by SCHUYLKILL COUNTY CEMETERY on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 03.56 am from the entry: Jim Morrison's Ghost Pic
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)
she’s a great singer and writer. she’s honest. smart. enthralling. she’s a concert singer not a bar singer.