Parsonsfield ~ 2018 March 11 ~ Fete Music Hall ~ Providence, RI
Band Personnel: Chris Freeman (vocals, guitar, pump organ, electronic keyboard, harmonica), Antonio Alcorn (vocals, mandolin, banjo), Max Shakun (vocals, electric guitar, bass guitar, pump organ, keyboard, electronic box), Harrison Whale Goodale (vocals, upright bass, electric bass, cello, saw), Erik Hischmann (vocals, drums, xylophone, percussion ... this band plays so many instruments, forgive me if I missed any
Set List
Light of the City - Ties That Bind Us - Stronger - Footsteps In My Ear - Blooming Through the Black - Barbed Wire - Go Find Yourself - Empty Rocking Chair - Take Me Back - Santa Monica {Everclear} - Anita (Your Lovin') - Everyone Dies - Across Your Mind - Stroll Down the Highway - Weeds or Wildflowers - Kick Out the Windows ... encore ... Tear Down the Stage
Scroll to below videos for review of the show.
Videos
Footsteps In My Ear
Go Find Yourself
Santa Monica
Everyone Dies
Review
This five piece band originating from Connecticut made their reputation at the beginning of their career by remaking traditional folk songs in an uptempo, rock-infused style. But they've gone far, far beyond that, and have become immensely talented songwriters. They have just released a 5-song EP called We that contains some more stellar original songs and one cover, Everclear's "Santa Monica." All of their songs are credited to "Parsonsfield," so there is no way for the fans to know who contributed what to each song, but in live performance, all five of these young musical mavens contribute essential components.
Chris Freeman is the lead singer and the closest they have to a bandleader. Chris addressed the crowd with a few stories about the writing of the songs and an off-the-cuff remark about the entertainment going on in the other side of the Fete building -- of all things, wrestling! Max Shakun is Chris' sidekick and the band's leading heartthrob (one fan was heard to call out "I love you Max!"). Max is largely responsible for the rock 'n' roll feel of this band, with his ever-emerging skills on the electric guitar. Antonio Alcorn holds down the banjo and mandolin part of the stage, as well as having the longest beard I have ever seen; Harrison (Whale) Goodale plays electric and acoustic bass and, tonight, cello on one song; Erik Hischmann is the heart of the band on the drums. They all sing -- heavenly two-part (Chris and Max), three-part (Chris, Max, and Antonio), even five-part harmonies.
The 17 song set drew largely from Blooming Through the Black (the band's album from a couple of years ago) and the new EP. All five songs from the EP were played. The real standout was "Kick Out the Windows," a song about living life with wild abandon. When Chris introduced this song, he said: "my nephew calls it the draw on the walls song, and he has taken to drawing on the walls of his house in crayon ... he's 16." The crowd roared with laughter. Not only is he a great singer and songwriter and musician, but Chris Freeman is developing superb comic timing.
The show was opened by the four piece Julie Rhodes Band (vocals, keyboards, drums, and guitar), who played a 45 minute set of bluesy originals and some covers. Julie sang with authority with a smoky and growly voice and was very well received by the crowd.
This is my second visit to Fete, and I am impressed with the venue. I don't get to many standing venues anymore, and this one had a sticky floor just like nightclubs in the old days. After the show I chatted with Chris for a couple of minutes, congratulating him on completing his first marathon last fall. Chris, please, for the next one, don't forget the advice from a veteran: "start so slow it feels ridiculous." That way, you'll have something left in the tank for those final miles.
More Parsonsfield
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