Kevin Morby @ Boot & Saddle, Philly 6/20/16
In the back of Philly’s Boot & Saddle is an intimate box of a room, with the ceiling of an old theatre and a massive carpet that covers the stage. Jaye Bartell warms up the room with liquid guitar playing and haunting lyrics, both reminiscent of Leonard Cohen. He occupies the stage with a confident presence. After Bartell’s set, the space is filled with anticipation.
Only moments after Kevin Morby and his band take the stage, the walls vibrate as they play songs from their newest full-length, Singing Saw. The drummer sits up straight as his hits ebb and flow on the tiny, sturdy drum kit, while the bassist stands in the shadows, charging the room with noodly riffs. The lead guitarist’s intricate and delicate but jagged notes accent Morby’s strikes on his red Jaguar. The band is tight, not a single moment left to silence.
Walking into the early summer evening, my body still buzzed with the power of their performance. Only a group of fantastic musicians playing their souls out can create that electrifying effect on a person, and if you go see Kevin Morby play, you’ll feel it too.
Singing Saw is Kevin Morby’s third full-length record. It was released on 15 April, 2016 on Dead Oceans. He’s currently on tour. Check out his music here.
Written by Mollie K. ‘17. Photos by @nickdinatale. Check out more of his amazing work, including more photos of Kevin Morby.
@kevinmorby, @deadoceansinc
