Photo Credit: Louisa Podlich
On Saturday, June 25th, Haley Bonar graced the downstairs “stage” at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue along with Daniel Martin Moore and Holcombe Waller on The Waiting for Lightning to Strike Tour. I quote the word “stage” because other than a slight step in the ground, it was about as intimate as a living room jam session. No more than fifty people sat in chairs around cocktail tables and in sofas (yes, sofas) all focused towards the corner stage with minimal trimmings.
Ms. Bonar is touring following the release of her latest album Golder and showcased a few tunes from it. It was a welcome detour from the ear-plug-requiring dance-floor-packing shows I’m used to covering. Haley Bonar sports a very unique voice that is simultaneously sweet and strong, innocent and powerful.
For the record, I departed a day-long barbecue where the energy was more in line with what I’m used to reviewing, so I had to change emotional gears quickly when I stepped into the space. That is not to say I was bored with the new energy. Bonar’s songwriting and tone straddles the fine line between slow, emotional folk music and rousing folk-rock, including “Candy Machine Gun,” which was featured as KEXP’s Song of the Day last week. The foot was tapped and the head was bobbed, indeed.
GOSSIP: Bonar is preg-preg! She was precious as a peach with a guitar draped over her knee-length white dress, which was also draped over her belly. She transitioned from guitar to electric piano, while her band featured soft drumming, and for the last number, “Softly and Tenderly,” a cello melody.
In all, her set was very enjoyable, and a strong opening to songwriters Daniel Martin Moore and Holcombe Waller. Moore plays like a veteran (and his credentials touring with bands such as Iron & Wine, My Morning Jacket, and Swell Season can second that), moving through an impressive array of tones within his folk style. He is touring to promote his latest album In the Cool of the Day—with a title track that is a gorgeous rendition of the Christian revival song I remember once singing in the choir.
Holcombe Waller has a haunting, exquisite voice and very highly-crafted songs that made me glad I was sitting down to really absorb the music. He plays intricate guitar rhythms with beautiful backup, while his delicate, Idol-quality voice dances wild melodies above. He is an artist I will definitely look for in the future.
