The Geomatic Attic hosted The Birds of Chicago for their second of three sold out shows in a row, Oct. 16 (Fred Eaglesmith was also sold out on Oct. 20) including the James McMurtry Band and Scott Nolan the night before.
Ryan Boldt of Deep Dark Woods and lead guitarist Evan Cheadle opened the show with a quick set of acoustic music, powered by Boldt’s soporific baritone and delicate picking. He began his set solo, while Cheadle joined him to add some subtle slide guitar leads.
They played a soothing set with Boldt’s voice sounding like a mix of Gordon Lightfoot, Jay Farrar and the Northern Pikes’ (and fellow Saskatchewan musician) Jay Semko.
They played a few older songs and several new songs, which Boldt said may be on a future Deep Dark Woods album, if he can make it work with the rest of the band.
The Birds of Chicago were amazing as usual. Allison Russell and JT Nero’s vocal harmonies soared through the packed Attic.
They alternated singing leads and Russell switched between guitar and clarinet but passed her ukulele to drummer Nick Chambers for a couple of songs including the highlight “Forests/Mountains,” which Russell said wasn’t about electric seahorses, though they are prominently featured in the lyrics as was “hold me closer tiny dancer” which drew chuckles from the crowd.
Throughout bassist Chris Merrill sat back and played in the pocket, playing many melodic and groove fueled phrases which complemented Nero and Russell’s vocals, which positively dripped with soul and a touch of gospel. Russell added exceptional clarinet solos. Nero added melodic whistling solos as well. They got the audience singing along in a call and response as well for another song.
They played several songs from their most recent album “Real Midnight.”
They also tested out a brand new song they had never played before to appear on a future album, which drew the biggest cheers of the night.
