Gillian Welch

Gillian Welch (and Dave Rawlings) gave a fantastic performance at the Perth Concert Hall. The pair are so natural and laid back onstage and I could only wish that I could hear them acoustically in a smaller, cosier venue. Gillian's somber, and sometimes downbeat, songs are perfectly complemented by Dave's unique and dynamic guitar picking which I think of as walking a tightrope without a safety net. He just goes for it, - and usually gets there! So much more exciting than a safe, carefully worked out solo. And those harmonies are to die for!
My only gripe about their gig was that I would have liked more than one song (Sweet tooth) from Dave - as the Dave Rawlings Machine are not visiting Perth.

I do have a gripe about the venue though - we were in one of the front balconies, which gave us a great view, but the sound was shockingly bad. There is a bank of speakers hanging centre stage which ( I assume) projects well to those seated downstairs and possibly to the balconies at the rear. Our sound was muffled, echo-ey and boomy - the worst I have heard at a live gig in Perth and not what I would expect at the Perth concert Hall. I found myself hoping that the sound would cut out and that we would be left with the acoustic sound.

About halfway through the show Dave said to us, "well y'all knew what you were in for when you came to the show." He was referring to the slow songs that he and Gillian play. Yes, we knew what we were info, basically the most entertaining two musicians on the planet. They are so in sync when they sing, when they play guitar and banjo and when they interact on stage. Everything is about these two is perfection including the songs which are masterfully performed. I had been to the Lobero last year to see The Machine and I was so impressed I decided to make the drive from LA to see Gillian and Dave. I didn't really have a choice though because she is only playing 6 or so concerts this year and she is not in LA. They played 10 songs took a break and cam back and played 10 more. After 2 encores Gillian told us that because the acoustics were so fine in the Lobero, she and Dave were going to sing the first song that they ever sang together many years ago. Long Black Veil was done with no pics as they stepped to the front of the stage. It was a perfect ending to a perfect evening . If anyone reading this has a chance to see them live, do not even hesitate to grab tickets and bring a few friends!!!!

Performing alongside her musical counterpart and guitarist David Rawlings, singer/songwriter Gillian Welch has a sound described as deeply reminiscent of the past yet overall intuitive and intellectual. Guitar led folk songs taking influence from genres such as bluesgrass and the historic Appalachian music. It is quite dark in places as Gillian weaves somber tales in her characteristic vocal with a skill unlike many of her folk and country contemporaries.

The Grammy nominated artist is incredibly spirited and happily chats to her crowds between the odes to heartbreak and lost love which is quite an unusual juxtaposition although you quickly get into the rhythm of things. The chemistry between David and Gillian is hard to beat as these two musicians clearly not only enjoy playing music but they seem to really understand each other as people. As they quietly coo to one and other about addiction and drug abuse you feel as though there is a lot more depth to their music. They finish on a suitably dark ditty entitled 'Caleb Meyer' and as the audience slowly leave their spaces of engagement the whole room instantly erupts with applause and cheers.

I thought the Gillian Welch concert at the MN Zoo Amphitheater was phenomenal. First of all, the venue itself was perfect. The Zoo's amphitheater was small and intimate while providing a natural open air backdrop. Perfect for a summer night. But what made the night so special were the artists themselves. Gillian Welch did not disappoint. Her voice and stage presence were captivating. Her partner and lead guitarist, David Rawlings absolutely killed it. Both of them performed with such passion and feeling as individuals and worked great as a duo as well. Their in-between-song banter was short but funny. They played two incredible sets, mixing upbeat numbers with slower numbers from a variety of their albums, and played two encores. Not only did the crowd thoroughly enjoy themselves, Gillian and David seemed to as well. I am already looking forward to the next time they are in town. Only, this time I will bring my young daughter, so she, too, can experience the musical magic that is Gillian Welch.

Stellar show! All acoustic, witty humor, intimate setting to hear deeply heartfelt music.
Not only did Gillian and Dave play the entire Harrow and the Harvest, they did some incredible covers*(Tennesee Stud, Jackson), and returned with a second set, a few encores.
It was nothing less than amazing.

Freakin Awesome!! The two of them together are great! Standing ovation!!!! I recommend seeing them if they come to your area. Mr, Rawlings is one of the best around and you can tell there having a good time.

Great show at the Tivoli theater in Chattanooga Dec. 30. Did most of their favorites and some newer songs as well. The last encore was a totally unexpected cover of Jefferson Airplane's White Rabbit.