Langhorne Slim Solo at Jammin Java with Jonny Fritz

We regularly hear stories about how dedicated fans are to artists (traveling a certain amount of miles to see a show); but not that often about the reverse. Well this week, Langhorne Slim proved his meddle in his own version of Trains, Planes and Automobiles just getting to a sold out show at Jammin' Java. He and opening act, Jonny Fritz were planning to fly cross country Sunday morning after a show in Seattle; but an ice storm changed those plans. While Fritz was able to get a later flight to DC; Langhorne Slim was booked on a red-eye to NYC, then drove the 5 hours to Vienna - arriving mere minutes before showtime. Ironically, Fritz and Langhorne Slim were scheduled to play in NYC the following night.

Not knowing this situation I arrived to the largest crowd I've scene at the venue just as Jonny Fritz took the stage. This was the first I heard Fritz, but after his set, I felt this was someone who the audience would like to hang out with. He's personable, likeable, a folksy voice, and composes songs about love and life that we all can related to. I plan on posting a review of his upcoming album, Dad Country - but as a preview - I can't think of anyone that can take a subject, like taking out the trash on Monday, and making that the focus of a workable song. Well done. These are songs with clever lyrics such as "packing the van like playing tetris". I'm looking forward to listening more to Jonny Fritz.

By the time Langhorne Slim took stage, we were aware of his travel situation and were just hoping he had enough energy to play a decent set.  He seemed to provide more banter and introductions between songs (his introduction to Fire was probably three times longer than the song itself); but when he sang - he was all in. For those unfamiliar with Langhorne Slim, he writes the most interesting and compelling love songs - and as usual Collette was a constant fan request. These songs are not sappy; they're clever and interesting and sung from the heart. And his raspy - bluesy voice and modest demeanor give it cred.   I was most impressed with the live version of Song for Sid, his dedication to his grandfather. That song, Fire, and many others he performed are available on his previous album Langhorne Slim & the Law "The Way We Move".  He also played several songs off their upcoming release - looking forward to that June 2015 release and another tour with the entire band. Cheers.

20 Days in November - Day 13: Langhorne Slim

This evening I left the confines of suburbia and pretending I was much younger, entered the dynamic environment of Washington D.C.'s H Street "Atlas" shopping district. Located in the northeast section of the street this area is home to several music venues and restaurants - including the Rock & Roll Hotel and The Red and the Black - as well as loads of road construction. This area is ready to explode. Why venture into the farthest area of the city from our residence? Langhorne Slim. I first heard this artist from his Daytrotter session - these songs I still listen to at least weekly - "Collette", "Diamonds and Gold", "Nobody But You, "Rebel Side of Heaven", and "We Love the Animals". The basic theme to all these songs is enjoy life now - its too short not to. There's a bit of blues, gospel, alt-country, and folk in the arrangements and Langhorne's bluesy vocals capture the spirit of each song.

I arrived at the Rock & Roll Hotel a little late after taking the venue's directions at face value. If riding in from the west - take 395 and not E Street->H Street completely across the city. The venue was packed - and I mean packed - a great crowd for any night, but extraordinary for a Tuesday. The opening act, Dawes was just coming onstage and lead singer Taylor Goldsmith also commented about the high attendance. Evidently they received a much lower response their last trip through. And Dawes was a good opening act. They have a similar style as Langhorne Slim - basically a blend of different genres. The band is named after the Goldsmiths' grandfather - brother Griffin plays the drums. The songwriting was way too mature for a group that young - that was a pleasant surprise - as was the basic stage presence of Goldsmith. They guy can sing plus he understands the business side - encouraging attendees to visit the merchandise table and that the songs the were applauding were contained in North Hills. A nice start to the evening.

Shortly afterward Langhorne Slim and his band came onstage - and they basically had me by seeing an upright bass and a banjo. Getting down to the roots. Within the first half dozen songs he met and exceeded all my expectations in terms of charisma, stage presence, and plain ol' music. Plus, during that time he played "Collette", "Diamonds and Gold", and "Rebel Side of Heaven" - all songs I could sing along to along with everyone else. I was also told at the merch table that they were available on Langhorne Slim. He also has a new CD out, Be Set Free; but most of the long time fans I conversed with still think of When the Sun's Gone Down as his best. Apparently it had the same gospel feel as tonight's performance. I liked the band's versatility. At times they were soft and soulful as for "Collette" and "Diamonds and Gold" - but then raising a raucous such as with the "Rebel Side of Heaven". A true showman. Apparently they just finished another Daytrotter session - so I look forward to downloading more music to see what's on the horizon for these guys. Thanks for making the venture into D.C. worthwhile.