The opening act, Blitzen Trapper, also performed a magnificent set.
Sometimes an opening act is so ridiculously good that a concert reviewer wonders if it should be the headliner.
That certainly was a (temporary) concern after Blitzen Trapper's magificent set as the support act for Brandi Carlile on Thursday night. Luckily, Carlile responded with an outstanding and dynamic show of her own that easily equaled that of Blitzen Trapper.
All of this added up, of course, to a seriously entertaining night for capacity crowd at the Calvin Theatre. While the evening had a definite country/Americana tincture to it, the oft-overused word "eclectic" perfectly described both acts' sets. Along with the twang, elements of pop, rock, psychedelia, and even classical music their ways into the evening's melange.
Carlile and her band took the stage to an old-timey vinyl recording playing on a vintage turntable setup, and after an ominous cacophonous intro, launched into the stomp and yowl of "Raise Hell" to the crowd's delight. Not letting her foot off the gas in the least, she then led the group through the driving "Dreams" before settling into the more obscure and soulful "Late Morning Lullaby." This last song showcased Carlile's ability to switch effortlessly from her powerful rock yelp to a softer, yet still impassioned singing tone. This technique was reprised a few songs later on the soaring vocals of "Before It Breaks," on which Carlile switched to piano.
Other highlights of her set included "Hiding My Heart Away," "Again Today," and a rocking but faithful rendition of Dolly Parton's "Jolene." Carlile ended this set with the beautiful and powerful anthem, "The Story."
After two minute break, the encore began with Carlile's writing collaborators and bandmates, the Hanseroth twins, singing a gorgeous rendition of "The Sounds of Silence." The cover-fest continued as Carlile followed with a stunning version of the Prince-penned "Nothing Compares 2 U." This was particularly brave because even though Carlile has a great, swooping voice, Sinead O'Connor's version is so definitive. But Carlile pulled it off with aplomb. She ended the night with the gospel tinged song of forgiveness, "That Wasn't Me."
Now about that Blitzen Trapper: Wow. The band is as tight as a high wire and it has to be, considering the twisting contours its music often takes. Sounding like The Band one minute and Supertramp the next, the group also can remind one of another band that has often maneuvered at oblique musical angles throughout its career: It's not a stretch to say that lead singer Eric Earley's Blitzen Trapper is Roger to Jeff Tweedy's Wilco. Watch these guys. They're something special. Even Carlile noted she is a huge fan.