The David Rawlings Machine
We're supposed to bill this as "The Big Surprise Tour," but screw it. You may be inclined to think that the highlight of David Rawlings' set will be the appearance by Gillian Welch, undisputed (ok, maybe a little disputed) high priestess of contemporary bluegrass, but if you caught their surprise appearance at the Tea Bazaar in 2006 (seriously!) you know that he's every bit as captivating a presence as she is – just considerably less hyped.
In any case, all the acts on the lineup, contemporary old-time (!) band Old Crow Medicine Show, the subway-busking The Felice Brothers, and Earle-spawn Justin Townes among them, will reportedly be trading performers, making this whole affair about 180 minutes of amorphous folk delight.
Justin Townes Earle - Mama's Eyes
Justin Townes Earle - What I Mean To You
2 comments
Just saw Big Surprise show at Hampton Beach, NH. Gillian sang lead vocals on only one song! Very disappointed about that... Also, out of about 20 musicians, she was the only woman, which unfortunately, reminded me of the demographic distribution of smurfs.
PS: Felice Bros -- great songwriting -- muddy execution -- lots of notes and chords mushed together, rather than thoughtful arrangements (or tasteful improvisation)
Saw the Big Surprise in C'ville on Sunday. My big surprise was seeing Gillian as a "also there" as opposed to a star attraction. I agree with Maine Guy.....very disappointing. David is a wonderful musician but I was looking forward to Gillian.
As for the other acts, I also agree. Lots of instruments, lots of dancing around the stage (with some folks doing nothing else) not the concert I was hoping for.