The Reemergence of Live Music: Getting Back to the Love of Shows

As the great Joni Mitchell once wrote in her hit single “Big Yellow Taxi,”, “Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone?” (Joni Mitchell “Big Yellow Taxi,” Ladies of the Canyon, ©1970).  

The past eighteen or so months living in a general void of live music has taken its toll on musicians, venues, and the hospitality industry for sure.  It also has taken its toll on the fans, and in so many ways, the lack of music has been a punch to the gut of our collective human souls.

There is something purely magical about a live performance and the relationship between the artist and the audience… an energy so palpable that it cannot truly be recreated in any other setting.  Sure, streaming shows served their purpose of keeping people connected with artists and provided a reprieve in Netflix binge watching.  However, without a live audience there isn’t that same communal feeling or energy.  Music is best when it is shared live and with an audience.  Period.  Live music unites us as diverse people in our great city, not unlike how this summer the entirety of Milwaukee seemed to be “Fearing the Deer,”  and supporting our World Champion Milwaukee Bucks. 

“It feels amazing to be back out there making music together and in front of an in-person audience!” Sarah Vos, lead singer, guitarist and songwriter of the Milwaukee folk-Americana band Dead Horses exclaimed in a recent interview with MKERocks,  “I believe that the audience and the space literally change what is happening musically, and I really missed that. It's fun to re-approach the performance and the songs after having over a year off from touring as everything feels so fresh.”   

Vos and her band Dead Horses, which features longtime bandmate bassist Daniel Wolff,  went from playing over 100 shows a year to hardly any during the COVID pandemic.  Vos continued, “Not being able to tour provided a space from the go-go-go attitude we've had throughout much of our time together as a band. New and fresh perspective and inspiration is so necessary in art, and these challenging times have presented just that.”

“I feel so refreshed and focused after the time off,” Vos added with a grin, “It's fascinating that the pandemic and the times that have come with it are affecting all of us together- regardless of our beliefs or any divisiveness about it. This is something that the whole world has been going through together. Personally, I took a fair amount of time off from writing much music. The time really refreshed me in a way that has helped me take a turn in my songwriting which is super exciting!” 

Dead Horses have played a few shows this summer with more tour dates being added this fall, as the band begins to emerge from the thralls of the pandemic and get back on the road.  Dead Horses have performed primarily at smaller festivals this summer, including their headlining performance at “SnoFest '' in Two Rivers, Wisconsin this past July alongside Adam Gruel of Horseshoes and Handgrenades, and Ryan Necci and the Buffalo Gospel.  Speaking of Adam Gruel, he and Vos collaborated on a project during the quarantine where both songwriters crafted a series of duet performances.  Vos guested on Gruel’s set, sharing some of these new tunes at the SnoFest gig.  In addition, Dead Horses has a series of theater shows coming up this fall as well as a run opening for virtuoso mandolinist, Sierra Hull.  

Like Vos, Milwaukee’s Joseph Huber went from a robust touring schedule to almost a complete shut-down as well.  Prior to the pandemic, Huber had a long run of shows scheduled in support of his 2019 record Moondog.  Sadly, most of those did not happen.  MKE Rocks caught up with Huber before his recent show at the Cooperage earlier this month opening for country crooner Dale Watson. “Probably the best part of ‘getting back out there’ is remembering that music isn't just content that you create in some hidden behind-scenes-scenario and click out into the world from your computer. I had been working on a record and became so exhausted and jaded with the technical tinkering that the music seemed to no longer be a route to feeling freedom or joy. The first show back was nerve-racking like it hadn't been in years (while also being fun), but then every show following that just felt natural and great. People were ready to dance; ready to smile; ready to let loose--and we were too. It's the little or big surprises that come with every live performance that make you surprise yourself or be taken by surprise by others. We try to keep our live performances pretty informal, loose and fun. It's pretty much every show that someone takes a picture of us and I can look at us and see us smiling or laughing about something that I can't even remember, but...it happened. We were lost in the moment. It wasn't ‘just playing the songs,’ --it's the other surprises and moments that the songs allow to happen both for you and the audience.”

Huber continued, “Since being back at it a bit, everyone is just ready to have fun and there's been no pulling teeth. In terms of songwriting, I assume everyone thinks ‘Oh, you had so much downtime and inspiration from topsy-turvy world events that you were probably inspired to write so many songs!’ I guess I'd say that I wrote "a few" but really it was a difficult time in the moment as it was happening, and it didn't seem like it was my time or turn to write songs. I wrote poetry instead and worked in my shop to keep my hands busy. But music was zapped out of me for a second. That never lasts. It always comes flowing back into you, but I'll admit 2020 was a less-than-music year for me.”

Huber, alongside longtime bandmate Eston Bennett and Kenny Leiser on fiddle and guitar, blew the roof off of the Cooperage with a high-energy set of songs spanning his career.  From the sound of things, the smiles on the audience’s faces and the pure joy emanating from the band, Joseph Huber sounds as grand as ever.  

When asked about what the future holds for Joseph Huber, the prolific songwriter replied, “One thing I’ve definitely learned over the past year plus is let whatever comes your way speak, and let ideas that pop into your head have a fair shake and experiment with them, because they may make sense later way on down the road even if they don't make sense now.”

With the long absence of live music, I think we all, as fans and artists, realize that without tunes there was a piece of our collective souls that was missing. Let's do whatever we can to make sure that live music doesn't go away again. Music is a blessing, plain and simple.

To The Muse of Live Music by William Piper 
(recited as the introduction for Ryan Necci and the Buffalo Gospel @ Piper Patio, 7/10/21)

There is something extraordinarily palpable about live music.

Something primal, 

tangible, 

boisterous

Bold.

Something simultaneously whole ……………….and h o l y…. 

Something so powerful it has the ability to make us pound our feet passionately on the pavement, clap our hands until they are red and raw, 

and  high-five joyful strangers with exuberance and reckless abandon 

rejoicing in offkey unison
belting out a catchy refrain.

You see, there is something unique about live music,
Something that forces you to live in the moment…. 

To rejoice in the PRESENT…..that is the present……

and to put aside worries, anxieties, petty-problems, misunderstandings and the tick tock clock of everyday life, if even for just a second…..
for maybe a moment….
perhaps if you are truly blessed and lucky 

you 

may 

lose 

yourself 

for a while………….

perhaps tonight on this hill outside our home….

perhaps by sending your love on an 18 wheeler….
perhaps in a letter to Georgia…
perhaps….

 just  perhaps……

We can rejoice and celebrate together as one people clapping to one universal beat and in doing so we can escape the monotony and rigor of everyday life.

You see, live music is powerful… it’s big… it’s bold… it’s unabashed and raw and honest and RIGHT THERE.  

And that, that, my friends is the blessing and gift of it all… to be here, right here and right now, together, enjoying the beautiful muse that we call music.

Pipes's Picks: Best Music of 2020

While musicians were unable to tour much due to the COVID19 pandemic, a big blessing that came out of 2020 was the plethora of outstanding records.  Here are my favorites of the past twelve months.

1.    Phish Sigma Oasis One can certainly make an argument that Trey Anastasio, the lead guitarist and songwriter of Phish has experienced a resurgence and rejuvenation in his songwriting in recent years.  Ghosts of the Forest, 2019’s complex tribute to his long-time friend Chris Cottrell who passed away from cancer, was an exceptional release worth checking out.  Joining up with the Phish crew of Jon Fishman, Mike Gordon, and Page McConnell, Anastasio and company, dropped Sigma Oasis as a surprise record in early April. Sigma Oasis ranks as one of Phish's finest studio releases, if not their very best record in their over thirty year career, and served as a constant soundtrack to 2020 in so many ways for me. Simply put, Sigma Oasis often tackles the theme of uncertainty with an underlying notion of hope and positivity... a message most needed in this year of years.

There are many stand-out tracks on this nine song record, which clocks in at a little over an hour (a robust release by modern standards).  “Sigma Oasis,” and “Mercury” are both stellar numbers.  The slower ballads, “Shade,” and “A Life Beyond The Dream,” are stripped down, touching and earnest.  However, the highlight of the record is the 12:22 “Everything’s Right,” a song that lyrically encapsulates 2020, as well as providing listeners with the closest Phish has ever gotten to capturing the magic of their live improvisational performance on record.  

Stand out tracks: “Everything’s Right,” “Sigma Oasis,” “Mercury,” “Shade.”

2.    Bonny Light Horsemen- Bonny Light Horsemen

Bonny Light Horsemen was a project that originated at the 2018 Eaux Claires music festival where three folk-aficionados, Eric Johnson (of the Fruit Bats), multi-instrumentalist Josh Kaufman and singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell first connected.  Their aim was to reimagine tunes that are centuries old with a modern realism and relevance.  In their 2020 self-titled release they more than accomplished their mission, adding soaring harmonies and lush arrangements to create a progressive folk masterpiece.  In addition to the record, Bonny Light Horsemen released a series of singles throughout the year, which were also excellent.

Stand out tracks: “Deep in Love,” “Jane, Jane,” “Magpie’s Nest”

3.    Waxahatchee- Saint Cloud

Katie Crutchfield certainly came into her own with Saint Cloud, her fifth record performing as “Waxahatchee.”  Saint Cloud is a record that showcases the singer-songwriter’s beautiful vocal range, intimate lyrics and vivid storytelling.  Simply put, it plays like a gentle summer’s evening, with lots of wonderful allusions to nature and finding joy in the mundanity of everyday life.  Listening to Saint Cloud feels like Cruitchfield is right there with you in the living room, in the car, or wherever the record is played.  There is nothing overly fancy here, and there doesn’t need to be, as sometimes the simplicity of songs is what makes them the most beautiful.

Stand out tracks: “Oxbow,” “Can’t Do Much,” “Lilacs”

4. Field Report- Brake Lights, Red Tide

Field Report songwriter Christopher Porterfield has long been known for creating beautiful, thought-provoking, reflective tunes that are relatable to listeners on so many different levels.  Through similes and imagery that sticks to your soul, Brake Lights, Red Tide is up there with Porterfield’s finest work to date.  Caley Conway’s guitar and backing vocals along with Devin Drobka’s drumming shine throughout the record as well. 

Stand out tracks: “Begin to Begin,” “Breathe,” “Peoria”

5. Fleet Foxes- Shore On their fourth LP, Fleet Foxes’s principal songwriter, Robin Pecknold, delivers perhaps the band’s most consistent records of their career, ranking up there with their self-titled debut LP release from over a decade ago.  This is a beautiful record, front-to-back, which deserves being listened to as a whole piece with the headphones on and a tasty beverage in hand.  Excellent production and sound layering make this record an instant classic which delivers new surprises with each listen.

Stand out tracks: “Sunblind,” “Can I Believe You,” “Jara,”

6. Jeff Tweedy- Love Is King

Jeff Tweedy is perhaps the Godfather of "Dad Rock" these days. The Wilco frontman has been busy with his solo work, and on his fourth solo effort, was joined by his sons Spencer and Sammy to craft a defining "shut in at home" record. There is a beauty and simplicity to Tweedy's songwriting, and his message on this record is all about the need and importance of human connection. I would love nothing more than to see Wilco extend some of these tunes live when shows hopefully return. Stand out tracks: "Gwendolyn," "Love Is King," "Guess Again"

7. Khruangbin- Mordechai

The term Khruangbin translates to "flying engine" in Thai, and is as apt a descriptor as anything for the Houston-based funk-soul-psychadelic trio. Khruanbin has been quite prolific in recent years, releasing a steady stream of records which continue to push the trio's sound in a variety of directions. The trippy, funky, and feel-good vibes of their latest release, Mordechai were a welcome groove and distraction to this crazy year. In many ways Khruangbin is to 2020 as Jamiroquai was to the mid 1990's... feel-good, heavy groove driven music that seems to be in its own eternal time warp. This is a band that will soar to new heights on the national and festival scene once live shows return.

Stand out tracks: "Time (You and I)," "So We Won't Forget," "Pelota"

8.    Sylvan Esso- Free Love

Amelia Meath and Nick Sanborn have certainly become a power couple of sorts in the indie music scene.  The eclectic duo continue to innovate and reimagine their sound mixing Sanborn’s beats with Meath’s ethereal voice and lyrics.  There is something refreshingly tangible about the ten songs on Free Love that make the record both incredibly intimate and accessible.  Once again, upbeat tunes win on this record, which is impossible to sit still while enjoying.

Stand out tracks: “Ring,” “Ferris Wheel,” “Rooftop Dancing”

9. Sturgill Simpson- Cutting Grass Vol. 1 and 2

What do you do when you’ve become a national headlining outlaw country star?  If your name is Sturgill Simpson, why not reimagine your work in bluegrass form. As a fan of the bluegrass genre and Simpson as a songwriter, listeners are in for a real smile and treat hearing the re-workings of many of these tunes.  What is especially compelling about these two records is both the arrangements as well as the focus on Simpson’s lyrics and storytelling. This music makes you feel like Simpson and his all-star crew are sitting on your back porch picking away.

Stand out tracks: “I Don’t Mind,” “Old King Coal,” “Brace for the Impact (Live A Little),”

10. Phoebe Bridgers- Punisher

For a twenty-five year old songwriter, Phoebe Bridgers has made quite a splash.  Coming off of last year’s phenomenal Better Oblivion Community Center record, my favorite of the year, with fellow songsmith Connor Oberst, Bridgers returned with a career defining effort.  Punisher sees Bridgers emerging as a songwriter well-beyond her years.  Her songs have a raw and inviting feel to them and her storytelling is clever, introspective, and insightful. "I Know the End," might be one of the most perfect anthems of 2020.

Stand out tracks: “Garden Song,” “Kyoto,” “I Know The End”

11. Dehd- Flower of Devotion

The Chicago trio "Dehd," may be one of the best finds of 2020.  The group's palpable energy comes through on their third LP release, Flower of Devotion, with wonderful pop-rock sensibilities, wonder and joy.  This is a band that you can envision having a great time on stage together as you listen to the interplay of Emily Kempf, Jason Balla and drummer Eric McGrady.  Dehd's ear-worming melodies burrow deep and get stuck in your head quickly.

Stand out tracks: "Haha," "Loner," "Nobody"

12. My Morning Jacket- The Waterfall II

Listening to The Waterfall II is a surefire recipe for any music lover to groan and lament how we miss seeing live tunes this year. "Wasted," with guitarist Carl Brommel's expert shredding is a prime example of what we all love about the Jacket. Jim James and company returned with an album on par with any of their more recent work, the well-produced and diverse Waterfall II. Like many records on this list, there is a certain amount of poignant reflection that comes through on this record and across the range of tunes on it.

Stand out tracks: "Spinning My Wheels," "Run It," "Wasted."

Notable EP Releases:

• Dead Horses- Birds Few artists can tell a story with more earnestness and warmth than Dead Horses's Sarah Vos. Vos and her collaborator, Daniel Wolfe, continue to hone their craft with their latest EP "Birds." Be sure to check out the tunes "Family Tapes," and "Birds Can Write the Chorus," both of which are stellar recent tracks.
  
  
• Kurt Vile- Speed, Sound, Lonely KV (ep) Philadelphia's Americana troubadour, Kurt Vile, released a beautifully and apt titled EP Speed, Sound, Lonely KV, which clearly channeled quarantine feelings. In many ways, Vile's muse, the late, great John Prine's spirit is alive and well on this collection of tunes. The highlight, "How Lucky," a duet with Prine himself, emerges as a timeless and loving tale of two amazingly prolific songwriters. Vile's own "Speed of the Sound of Loneliness" is one of his finer compositions as well.
  

For a sample of all of the music featured on this list, along with a lot of other notable music from 2020, please check out my "Pipes's Picks Best of 2020" playlist on Spotify: