Friday night brought 2 very interesting singer songwriters to the Historic State Theatre.
Opening the evening was Aoife O’Donavan. The Newton, MA artist is quite familiar with the Twin Cities having hosted the radio show “A Prairie Home Companion” recently and there were quite a few fans in the crowd. She was solo for the first few songs, then joined by a piano. The added keyboard enriched her sound and brought out her voice. Her 30 minute set also include a Joni Mitchell cover. Look for her upcoming album “In the Magic Hour” to be out early next year.
Glen Hansard’s current release “Didn’t He Ramble” being featured as album of the week by The Current was well time with his show. He started his set acoustic with minimal instrument backing and no microphone. His third (and first with full band) was his single “Winning Streak”. His set list covered both his solo work, some traditional Irish folk songs, covers and material from his bands (The Swell Season and The Frames). Hansard’s voice is very impressive, he manages quiet songs and switches to powerful ballads that filled the State Theater. His band included a string and a horn section. Overall Hansard delivered an impressive set.
Set List:
Grace Beneath the Pines
Just to Be the One
Winning Streak
My Little Ruin
When Your Mind’s Made Up (The Swell Season song)
Stay the Road
Astral Weeks (Van Morrison cover)
Paying My Way
Back Broke (The Swell Season song)
High Hope
Love Don’t Leave Me Waiting
McCormack’s Wall
Lowly Deserter
Didn’t He Ramble
Way Back in the Way Back When
Bird of Sorrow
This Gift
Encore:
Say It to Me Now (The Frames song)
Gold (Interference cover)
Falling Slowly (The Swell Season song)
The Parting Glass
Her Mercy
