Phoebe Blume is difficult to classify. She’s not the type of musician who can be described in simple terms, and although she’s trained in opera and classical music, her style ranges from sultry to punk, blues to rock.
Her debut album, The Homing Beasts, is a collection of songs that reflect her experiences living in the South and on her father’s farm. Blume’s strength is her storytelling ability, and she often writes about her childhood. Her songs are loaded with rich visual imagery and interesting wordplay.
With influences like PJ Harvey, Bob Dylan, Liz Phair, and Townes Van Zandt, Blume creates moody rock music that is heavy in bass guitar and rapid drumbeats. Her sound is raw, organic, and sometimes comes across as unprocessed and untouched, with an almost Sonic Youth feel to it. But not to be pigeonholed, Blume also creates electronic-tinged music with an ’80s/’90s alternative rock sound. Where Blume truly shines, though, is in her bluesy torch songs. In “It’s Gonna Get Hot Down There,” Blume shows off her vocal abilities and lyrical skill with lines like, “I’m walking in a daze cause you’re always in my head,” which she croons with a hint of scorn.
June 25
WOW Hall (all ages)
291 W 8th Ave.
541/687-2746
wowhall.org
phoebeblume.com
While popular country music has changed and evolved over the years, with the lines between pop and country music blurring thanks to crossover artists such as Taylor Swift and Shania Twain, Lyle Lovett’s blend of country nostalgia and contemporary sensibilities has remained the same decade after decade.
On the song “It’s Rock and Roll” Lovett sings, “In the world of rock and roll, there’s no time to stop,” reflecting the darker side of being a famous musician. He should know—Lovett is one of America’s most accomplished singer/songwriters, recording 13 albums and releasing 21 singles to date, including “Cowboy Man.”
Lovett’s latest release, Natural Forces, put out in 2009 on Lost Highway Records, is a polished collection of songs that reflect complex issues and emotions. “Loretta” is a beautiful song that is reminiscent of folk music. This is in stark contrast to the songs of Lyle Lovett and His Large Band, featuring more than a dozen musicians, who released It’s Not Big It’s Large in 2007. Many of these songs are upbeat, traditional country tunes with a twist. Songs like “Pantry” and “Farmer Brown/Chicken Reel” are full of sexual euphemisms. While some lines are almost crass, Lovett and His Large Band will no doubt make you laugh out loud and get on your feet, dancing along to his up-tempo songs and swaying to his bluesy tunes.
July 18
Cuthbert Amphitheatre (all ages)
541/762-8099
thecuthbert.com
lylelovett.com
Some musicians simply exude classic Americana style, and Jackson Browne is one of them. His 30-plus-year career has made its mark in American music history, starting with his debut album, released in 1972, through to his most recently released two-disc live CD. Browne’s lyrical sensibility and knack for storytelling has been consistent throughout his musical career. In 2004, Browne was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—a well-deserved honor.
Browne’s latest album, Love Is Strange, highlights a notable 2006 tour through Spain, in which Browne was accompanied by longtime friend and musical partner David Lindley. Lindley, who has also played on many of Browne’s albums, is reuniting with Browne for his 2010 tour, which features songs from their Spain shows. Jackson Browne and Paul Dieter produced the album, released on Browne’s independent label, Inside Recordings.
Browne’s latest studio release, 2008’s Time the Conqueror, is a masterful collection of classic rock material, politically driven lyrics, and melancholy love songs. Many of his tunes seem familiar, recalling the sounds and moods of his hits “Running on Empty” and “These Days.” The beauty of Browne’s songs is in his ability to capture the spirit of a generation while still sounding timeless, as well as his ability to create songs that challenge us to look inward and reflect back on our own lives.
July 27
Cuthbert Amphitheatre (all ages)
541/762-8099
thecuthbert.com
jacksonbrowne.com
Also Appearing Locally
Dweezil Zappa Plays Zappa
June 12
McDonald Theatre
