Valerie June- Club Garibaldi, December 14, 2013

What's not to like about Valerie June?  She is an extraordinary guitarist, passionate lyricist, and is one of the most humble performers I've ever met.  Her Tennessee roots and southern charm were evident the moment she entered the "full-to-the-gills" Club Garibaldi.  Looks and charm aside, as soon as she began playing the guitar, she engaged the crowd with her tremendous talent.

Opening with some slower tracks, Valerie June held a normally noisy venue in the palm of her hand, with the audience quietly hanging on every note from he guitar and every word of her stage banter.   As expected her set drew from her debut record, Pushing Against A Stone, a critically acclaimed record which ranks among my favorite releases of 2013.   

Valerie June blends together southern rock, folk, gospel and blues into her songs.  Pushing Against A Stone, was another album produced this year by Black Keys' front man, Dan Auerbach, and the pop blues style of the Black Keys can be seen in some of Valerie June's work.  While many tracks on Pushing Against A Stone feature large ensembles of instruments (horns, keyboards, etc.) June's backing band was a simple arrangement of drummer and bass player.  This intimate arrangement allowed for a more "stripped down" feel to many of June's tunes.  Notable highlights included "Working Woman Blues" and "You Can't Be Told," the breakthrough hit off of Pushing Against A Stone.  

Valerie June is a white hot act whose musical stock continues to rise.  Recently, she was booked to open for Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings on her tour.  This will bring more attention to a great up-and-coming act who hopefully will be making more stops in the Brew City in the years to come.

Grade: A