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Bowerbirds occupy a range of different habitats including the rainforest and eucalyptus / acacia forest (according to Wikipedia). But there is another species in the family that writes nu-folk music from North Carolina and travels the nation on tour – from what I hear, the music industry, as well as most music enthusiasts, responds best to the latter.
The trio called Bowerbirds played at the Ottobar with local folk friends Secret Mountains and Man & Dog this past November. I watched as some well-known Baltimore folk musicians filled the venue, quietly anticipating the magic the night had in store. At the peak of the crowd’s excitement after the first two bands, Bowerbirds took the stage: Phil Moore with a lovingly dinged-up acoustic guitar in hand, Beth Tacular with her pearled accordion, along with their rotating drummer who’s name I did not catch. I knew the moment their chords and unmatchable vocals hit my ears that my singing (along with many other spectators’ who were itching to belt the lyrics) would completely ruin the mood. As simple as their song structures are, Bowerbirds knows how to use their instruments to eloquently deliver a unique rustic sound: stringing together hymnal harmonies and deep lyrics with the perfect amount of quiet in each song to meditate on. I stood next to my roommate up front of the stage, transfixed, when she said the only thing I believe summed up our satisfaction: “we had perma-grins the entire evening”.
I’ve never seen a group of musicians so genuinely poised on a stage together. Not a bead of sweat dripped from any brow. They were relaxed and composed, eyes closed, feeling their rhythms, smiling at each other with meaningful glances. Oh, did I mention that Beth and Phil are dating? Bowerbirds are as serious as they are endearing, the kind of band I’d love to sit with in front of a fire on a brisk night with some hot cider (and whiskey) and sing tunes with. I was too timid to approach them after the set and gush over how enjoyable they made my night. Instead, I drove home with their CD playing in my car.
I’m just going to throw this out there since no one ever wants to discuss this topic:
ritz crackers are better than triscuits
December 17, 2009 2:08 amthey are… incredible live. wish i was there!
December 20, 2009 4:42 pm