Show Review: Larry & Joe – The Fruit (12/2/24)

If you don’t fall in love with Larry and Joe at one of their concerts, there’s something dead inside that you need to sort out right away.

Joe Troop and Larry Bellorín are not only virtuosic musicians, they are community builders, stand-up comedians, and generous performers who create a shared experience about as well as anyone I’ve ever seen. Their kindness, empathy, humor, and deep friendship come through while they play, while they banter, and in the smiles they exchange with each other throughout the show. 

Last Thursday at The Fruit, in Durham, Larry and Joe released their newest album, Manos Panamericanos, and it is nothing short of fantastic. It follows up their debut album, Nuevo South Train, with a beautiful confluence of cultures and musical styles that create a truly new and original sound while maintaining a deep reverence for the traditions that have informed their music.

One of my favorite moments of the show was when Larry and Joe played the tango, “Adiós Muchachos,” which is Joe’s grandmother’s favorite. He told an amazing story of his grandmother working at the RJ Reynolds cigarette factory while she was growing up, and coming into town early for her night shift to take tango lessons in Winston-Salem. They learned the song specifically to play for Joe’s grandmother. She approved of their efforts, and it made it on to the record.

Larry and Joe are touring extensively throughout the next year and if you need an evening of joy and beauty you should make it a point to see one of their shows. Joe is debuting a new quartet at The Fruit next Thursday, December 19, closing out his December residency. You can get tickets here. 

Check out more photos from the show at @kentempleton_photos