Parsonsfield ~ 2018 December 14 ~ Shalin Liu Performance Center ~ Rockport, MA
Band Personnel (in alphabetical order): Antonio Alcorn (vocals, mandolin, resonator mandolin, banjo, harmonium); Chris Freeman (vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo, pump organ, harmonica, harmonium, melodica, saw); Harrison Whale Goodale (upright bass); Erik Hischmann (drums, xylophone, ukulele); Max Shakun (vocals, acoustic guitar, pump organ, accordion, ukulele) ... this band plays so many instruments, forgive me if I missed any
Set List
Silent Night {traditional} - Across Your Mind - Stronger - Footsteps In My Ear - One More Christmastime - Parting Glass {traditional} - Barbed Wire - Weeds or Wildflowers - Kick Out the Windows - Light of the City - KTAADN - River {Joni Mitchell} - Strollin' Down the Highway / Santa Claus Is Coming To Town {John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie} - Christmas Must Be Tonight {Robbie Robertson} - Maoz Tzur {traditional} - Dear Mrs. Claus {Andrew Gilmore Barr, Philip Bradford Barr} - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree {Johnny Marks} ... encore ... Auld Lang Syne {traditional}
Scroll to below videos for review of the show.
Videos
Footsteps In My Ear
Barbed Wire
Maoz Tzur
Review
Parsonsfield brought their acoustic holiday tour to Boston's North Shore. Because of the acoustic format, there was no electric guitar or electric bass, and Erik played a stripped-down drum kit (with a towel on one of the drums to keep the volume under control). A couple of instruments made an appearance that the band only uses during their acoustic show. These were a harmonium, sort of a cross between an accordion and an electric organ (notes played on a keyboard, and sound generated by a bellows consisting of a door that was opened and closed by the performer); and a melodica that had a keyboard with a tube the player blew into. It was fascinating watching the musicians take turns on some of these even-more-exotic-than-usual instruments. Their trademark saw made an appearance on "Dear Mrs. Claus," played by Chris.
The band featured all six holiday songs that are included in their new EP. Chris joked that they went into the studio in June and did what any band would do in June: recorded a holiday record. These six songs included one very sad original ("One More Christmastime") and a traditional Hanukkah number, "Maoz Tzur," which Max introduced by mentioning that there are other holidays this month besides Christmas. I got a video of this one, so please take a look (above).
The five members of Parsonsfield are all pretty cleancut. I mean, for a hobby they run marathons. (So much for the image of popular bands causing all sorts of trouble.) But finally we got to hear them do a song that's just a wee bit naughty -- "Dear Mrs. Claus," in which Chris invites himself up to the North Pole to keep the poor abandoned Mrs. Claus company on Christmas. His bluesy "ho ho ho" in this song was something you just had to hear.
Besides playing the six holiday songs from the EP, and adding in a handful of other holiday classics, the band snuck bits and pieces of instantly recognizable Christmas melodies into some of their own songs. Combining "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town" with "Strolling Down the Highway" was especially clever. Antonio took a brief lead vocal during "Santa," just one line, but fun to hear.
It was a really fun show. Although the five didn't play as many of their own songs as in a regular show, they played enough of them to satisfy the diehard fans in the crowd, and it was very enjoyable to hear them present some of their own gems in an acoustic format.
The venue was definitely a contributing element to why this show was so exceptionally good. This is one of the most beautiful venues I have ever been to. Constructed in the last ten years by Rockport Music, it has stellar acoustics, good stage light, and excellent seating. I had a seat in a raised mezzanine at the right side of the stage from where I had a great view. (I hope you appreciate the pictures I was able to take from that location; see gallery, above.) The curtain at the back of the stage can be opened during the daytime to reveal a view of the harbor behind the building. Because this is a prime tourist destination, during the summer season it might be difficult to park, but at this time of year there was plenty of parking right in town. There are numerous restaurants open even at this time of year, and an attractive art museum just down Main Street where one could spend some time earlier in the day.
Stumbled upon this review, but really have no idea who this band is? They are a lively 5 man band employing a wide range of contemporary and traditional instruments. They got their start interpreting traditional folk and bluegrass in an energetic manner, but have branched out into more of the folk-rock or indie pop realm. They sing splendid harmonies and have quite a few impressive original songs. Their live show is full of joy and energy.
More Parsonsfield
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