In Perfect Harmony: Lula Wiles At Club Passim With Taylor Ashton
Just when I didn’t think they could get any more electrifying…they go and actually go electric, sort of. Lula Wiles celebrated the release of their new self titled record this past Friday at their home court Club Passim. I have seen the trio here a few times now and each time they seem to get better and better. The girls have honed their craft and continue to get tighter with their harmonies, their playing, and broadening their sound and exploring the “what’s next” to keep things fresh and exciting.
The show was opened by NY based multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Taylor Ashton. His voice was a mix of City and Colour’s Dallas Green and something else I can’t quite put my finger on. There is a coolness to his voice, calming in some ways, but you feel each and every ache in his words. Some beautiful stuff poured forth from the stage and his stripped down and bare set really cut through the room beautifully. Jumping back and forth between banjo and guitar and keeping rhythm with a heavy boot stomp his voice floated over the audience, dancing between the tables and then circling back around in a whisp of smoke-like waves that engulfed the ears and hearts of those in attendance. By the time he launched into a “busking favorite” the crowd quickly caught on and his tribute to Prince’s “When Dove’s Cry” was a beautiful and slow brewing rendition.
I could have left the club a happy guy at that point, but the Lula Wiles gals had us in for a real treat at this early show. The trio worked their way through a collection of tunes from the new record as well as some favorites covered from Trio (the Linda Ronstadt, Dolly Parton, Emmylou Harris project)… “The Pain of Loving You” slays every time without fail. And the night got raucous with originals like “One More Night” and the warm and comforting harmonies across tracks like “Good to You” and “Sorrow Be The Bird” blanketing the audience. A great mix that felt like a rollercoaster of ups and downs and everyone was just waiting to see what was around the next bend for them.
Across the board it was a phenomenal set from the ladies. More rocking numbers from the band included guest parts by Sean Trischka killing it on the drums and some really incredible guitar color and second fiddle magic. What continues to strike me is how Isa, Mali, and Ellie are all incredibly strong multi-instrumentalists and singers…there is no real “front person” to the band and each of them rotate lead responsibilities in a fashion that keeps their live shows dynamic in a way that I haven’t experienced with other bands. Its something truly special.
I think the true measure of the “beauty” in music is how it effects you on a completely primal and emotional level. It can drive you to dance or get energized or feel downtrodden and sad. Every time Isa Burke sings “I’m Over You” I feel moved to tears…which can be slightly awkward if you are sitting next to her parents during the concert. Luckily they are both musicians and I am sure don’t judge…but in all seriousness, their cover of this tune made popular by Keith Whitley gives me chills and forces me into a state of sobbing like 6 year old that just lost his puppy. Its incredible the impact that the collective voices of these 3 ladies can illicit. Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful.
The rest of the show was just…wow. 4 part string arrangements on stage, more guitar and drums, more harmonies and an ending that brought Ashton back up on stage to close the show. Just when I thought the trio couldn’t impress me anymore, they went and did. Lula Wiles remains top tier and one of my all time favorite bands. Get their new record today.
Get out and see them soon…
