Brandi Carlile Plays the Birchmere

May 23, 2006

Recommended beverage to go with this show:
that trusty ol’ Old Dominion amber

The Birchmere was packed for Brandi Carlile. Her music has been featured in movies and on television, most notably in three episodes of Grey’s Anatomy this season. But Carlile also has gained wide exposure opening for such acts as Train and Jamie Cullum (see my earlier story on Cullum at the 930 Club).

Hailing from Seattle, Carlile and “the twins” (her bassist and guitarist) put on a fine performance. Her folk-rock, at times bluesy, sound is appealing and a cellist added depth to her music. Carlile's songs are raucous fun. Vocally, she sounds like Bonnie Raitt meets Lucinda Williams, at times smoky, at times sweetly melodic.

She concluded the show with three phenomenal covers from three different musical genres: Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison,; Bob Dylan’s “The Times Are a Changin,’”, and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.. The very fact that she successfully pulled this off is a testament to her versatility.

Opening for Carlile was Gran Bel Fisher from Ohio plugging his new disc Full Moon Cigarette. When he first took the stage, looking at him I could only assume we were in for Skid Row unplugged. But, in fact, he has a rich, soulful voice and, the no-talking during performances policy at the Birchmere notwithstanding, he commanded everyone’s attention. Alternating between guitar and keyboards with a fellow guitarist in tow, Fisher impressed. He will be a guy to watch for…