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06/12/2004: "Review of Russell, Erik, Tim, and Pamela's Show Tonight at Barefoot Coffee Roasters"
I could probably summarize this show in a few words, those words being "totally worthwhile" but instead I'm going to share my thoughts in a bit more detail. I normally summarize my thinking about their playing with the words "you rock" but I felt that this time around they all deserved a bit more effort than that. 
Pamela Mosher opened, and was absolutely great. Her voice, at times, evokes a Dar Williams comparison (which, to me, is a high compliment), without putting her in the arena of being even remotely akin to a Dar Williams clone. Her songs are well written and interesting. I'm particularly fond of the lyric (paraphrased) "learn from my body" from a song about dissecting cadavers. It's a beautiful, unexpected deviation from the more-worn-path songwriters frequently follow. Frankly, I didn't expect a lyric like that from her, and was most impressed.
Erik Ostrom joined her on mandolin and harmony vocals on several songs, which was nothing less than sublime. (Not the "I don't practice Santeria" type of Sublime, Russell. ) Erik has a profound sense of how to add just the right amount of color with his mandolin and harmonies.
Russell Barber and Erik are both songwriters/musicians that I've respected and been impressed with for a long time. It's been a total pleasure to see/hear them play recently. Together, with Tim Cupps, they establish a beautiful, full, complete sound. All three have a highly-admirable sense of how to establish just the right amount of space. Their harmony vocals reflect obvious effort and skill.
Erik commented that someone recently told him that they thought he was "mellow." I'd imagine that what they'd intended to say, and would have said, had they a more solid ability to articulate, is that his music/musicianship doesn't rely on him being "showy" or "over-the-top." To me, one of the major hallmarks of solid, mature musicianship is putting in the effort to learn what you're doing as a group ahead of time, and to play parts that support the song itself. Russell, Erik, and Tim all demonstrate this remarkably well.
Erik and Russell both have a highly admirable sense of how to add the exact texture/color a song requires, and are excellent at complimenting each other musically. Russell's electric guitar playing was contextually perfect.
Erik's influences come through (I am subtly reminded of the Jayhawks in particular) in his performances, though his music is very original, soulful, and intelligent. Being a long-time Uncle Tupelo/ Wilco/ Son Volt fan, I totally loved their cover of Jay Farrar's "Outside the Door."
Every moment of this show was worth being there for. Folks like these are among humanity's greatest assets, and it's my hope that their musical endeavors put them in the position where they're able to focus on the music/art they're doing so well at creating and presenting.
Erik is playing tomorrow at Brainwash, in San Franciso, which is a combination cafe/laundromat. I'm sure he'll be outstanding, and would attend if my car was operable.
