Live Review: Sunita on Seattle’s Song Sparrow Research
Song Sparrow Research Live @ The Sunset
November 3, 2012
This was an invitation we couldn’t refuse: KEXP’s long-running local music show, Audioasis, puts together a monthly showcase at the Sunset Tavern in Ballard and the November installment featured a Seattle band we’ve been following for several years, Song Sparrow Research. The group crafts careful harmonies to accompany their music, which ranges from jazz-like notes to soothing ballads to all out rock.
The band members work well together, from lead guitarist Hamilton Boyce giving subtle queues to his bandmates to the technical prowess of the musicians working together alongside him. The soft smile displayed on the cellist’s face as she played was a highlight for me, and I could tell that the rest of the crowd was engaged as well. We watched her intently as she surveyed the scene around her.
A fabulous drummer whose skills were apparent, eyes closed, Evan Woodle knew exactly the rhythms the band’s songs required. It had been years since I have seen a xylophone, and they played it with such ease and playfulness. I was entranced.
A photographer first and a writer a second, I’m glad I got to take in such a great performance for my first live music review. Even better is the fact that these monthly KEXP showcases each beneift a local charity. In this case it was YouthCare, an organization that “builds confidence and self-sufficiency for homeless youth by providing a continuum of care that includes outreach, basic services, emergency shelter, housing, and employment training.”
Great music for a great cause. What’s better than that?
Sunita Budhrani regularly shoots photographs for NadaMucho.com. This is her first music review. Check out more of her photos on our Flickr page or her blog.