Jackie Cohen has a voice that is a “classic songbird” kind of beautiful, but part of her appeal is the way she morphs and changes it depending on the song. At times, she brings a tone that has either a bit of a twang, a muppet roundness, a sharp-edged squeak, or a rock wail. That unique quality is something that always catches my ear. She was joined on the stage by Kevin Basco on acoustic guitar. He played with his head bent and moved his shoulders, feeling the rhythm. Their harmonies gave me chills, especially on “Maddy.”
Cohen was exquisitely expressive throughout the set. She put aside her guitar for “Tacoma Night Terror,” moving her hands in a way that wasn’t just expressive–it was theatrical. During “Bold,” she looked out at us with the saddest soulful eyes. But then, the band closed with what was probably my favorite song of the set, “Yesterday’s Baby.” She blessed us with her full luminescent smile as she sang the bouncy, heartache-stomping tune. Near the end, Basco kicked his strumming into high gear, and Cohen tried to keep up. She laughed and the audience hooted and laughed with her.
SETLIST:
Caught In A Feeling Take Care of Your Skin Maddy My Size Darlin Tacoma Night Terror Chico Chico Bold Yesterday’s Baby
The sound of crickets set the tone for Weyes Blood‘s entrance and ran under the entire set. Every time the clapping stopped after a song, they were there, evoking a serene summer night. “Serene” is probably the best word to describe this show. The music is theatrical and reminiscent of 70s pop. Whether it is fun or melancholy, it is going to do it with broad strokes; there is no doubt as to what you are supposed to feel. Weyes Blood is the creation of lead singer/songwriter Natalie Mering. Her voice is the thumbprint of the Weyes Blood sound. It is strong and clear as it soars, all while she made gestures with sweeps of her arms.
Near the end of “Wild Time,” drummer Kevin Yakota let loose and showed off all his skills to breathtaking effect. For the very last song of the show, “Bad Magic,” Mering played solo on her acoustic guitar. In my opinion, this is the best way to see a performer’s true skill at projecting a song–stripped back. In this moment, she reached out to all of us with that powerful voice of hers, reminding us all that Natalie Mering is Weyes Blood.
SETLIST:
A Lot’s Gonna Change Used to Be Everyday Andromeda Seven Words Picture Me Better Movies Mirror Forever God Only Knows (cover of the Beach Boys tune) Something to Believe Wild Time Do You Need My Love Generation Why Bad Magic (solo, acoustic)
Jackie Cohen Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
Weyes Blood Official | Facebook | Bandcamp | Instagram
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