The Lamp Club Light Shop in Burlington has quickly become one of my favorite venues to take in a show. There is just an aura about the place…I mean it has hundreds of lamps and chandeliers hanging from its ceiling. Its hard to replicate the vibe that this throws off. But, its not clustered or reminiscent of a thrift store or pawn shop. It’s just plain cool…and maybe a bit spooky in a way. Whenever the Mrs. and I take in a show we play the “what’s your favorite lamp?” game before the music starts and it seems to be and ever evolving cast of characters (in lamp form) that fill in the cracks and crevices of the venue. Luckily, they also have an evolving cast of artists performing on their intimate stage as well.
Tomorrow evening two incredible talents will join forces on that wonderful stage and unleash some real beauty among the glow of the hundred lamps hanging overhead. Tom Brosseau‘s latest release “North Dakota Impressions” has been met with high regard. It is a completion of the trilogy started with Grass Punks and Perfect Abandon, and features his frequent collaborative partner Sean Watkins in the producers seat. Watkins will also join Brosseau for the performance.
If you are unfamiliar with either of these artists…well, whats wrong with you…but seriously, Watkins is a wonderful songwriter in his own right and probably the most underrated guitar player in the music business today. His acoustic guitar work is nothing short of virtuous and his collaboration skills are unrivaled. From his early days in Nickel Creek to the Watkins Family Hour, the lending of his instrumental and vocal skills always adds a beautiful edge to musical performance and recordings.
One of my favorite songs of all times was penned by Tom Brosseau, “How To Grow a Woman From the Ground”. The profundity even of just the title still blows me away when I think of it. Chris Thile’s version got me hooked, but the original composition is nothing short of utter bliss. The flurry of emotions that the singer-songwriter’s voice elicits is earnest but intense, overwhelming but heartfelt.
Watch this, that should be reason enough to get out to the show tomorrow night. It is a rare gift for two talents of this magnitude to ascend on a room like the Lamp Club…and for 5 bucks. Be there.