I have this pretty awkward habit of falling in love with anyone who is musically talented. So, Joe Purdy, I love you. Amber Rubarth, I love you too. Anyone who plays the piano in the lobby of the residence halls, I probably love you as well. I would like to think my love life would be more eventful if I too could woo the crowds with my musical talents, but alas I am not as cool as the people mentioned above so I will settle for just listening in amazement to the beauty they create.
On Sunday January 28th, I dressed up and headed for The Triple Door in downtown Seattle to see Joe Purdy and Amber Rubarth perform live. In my preview of this show I said that Amber Rubarth was opening for Joe Purdy and I have to correct myself and say that they sang together, not as two separate artists. I am so glad they did so, because even though they are incredibly talented alone, they were even better together.
The show began as the lights dimmed and a trailer for American Folk played on a screen on stage. American Folk is Purdy and Rubarth’s new movie, that debuted on January 26th. Seeing the beginning to what looked like a beautiful film and hearing these artist’s voices in the background gave me chills and peaked my curiosity. After the trailer finished, a man came to the stage and talked to the audience a little bit about the makings of the film. He said it was made as an attempt to unify the country in the midst of political opposition (a statement that was relevant years ago when the idea blossomed and still relevant today). He said the writer of American Folk thought instantly of Joe Purdy when deciding who to play the lead. They later asked Joe if he could think of anyone whose voice meshed with his and who he enjoyed playing with and to that he answered: Amber Rubarth. American Folk serves as a love letter to the natural beauty of America, to the style of music that has shepherded us through historically tough times and to the kindness of all of the “folk” that make America what it is. You can find the trailer below and more information about the movie here.
Joe Purdy and Amber Rubarth came onto the stage with two acoustic guitars and one bass player (Matt DelVecchio). They thanked the audience for their enthusiasm and Joe said, “I feel like this place is too pretty for me,” (me too, Joe, me too) which got a laugh from the crowd. Both artists were so genuine and beautiful, and their smiles were contagious. I would have been content listening to them make playful jabs at each other and ramble about their songs for the whole night. But when the room quieted down and their fingers picked at the guitar strings and their voices harmonized effortlessly it was like nothing else mattered except that moment. I could feel it in my chest and I could see it in the faces of my neighbors, the beauty of this duo was overwhelming.
“Usually we play our own original songs,” Amber said, “but this tour we’re playing songs that we love which is great.” Hearing Joe and Amber play other musician’s songs, slow them down and put their own spin on them was really special. Most all of these songs were new to me but spoke to me in some way. The lyrics were beautiful and often times sad, but the passion and joy and beauty that emanated through the space was so special.
Joe told many stories about why they chose the songs they were singing the significance they had to him, and the memories he had attached to them. He said, “I promise you this is probably the most unprofessional show you’ll ever see” as he, Amber, and Matt laughed at themselves and the audience laughed with them. They joked about cocaine and forgetting the words and miss strumming the guitar which all made for a very unique show, but unprofessional is not what I would call it. I would call it raw and real. Often times I think artists are put on a pedestal, they are well liked and well know, they are celebrities. However, seeing them laugh and stutter and make fun of themselves reminds me that they’re human which makes the show that much better. (Can you tell I have huge friend crushes on Joe and Amber? It’s true, I won’t deny it.)
Joe and Amber each did their own individual set that included about 4 solo songs before they came back together to finish off the night. They both have very powerful, but gentle voices, and hearing them alone was equally as impressive as hearing them together. Amber sang Wildflowers in the Graveyard from her new album which she said was about “nature and the natural cycles of change.” Joe told us about how he went home once after writing a lot of angry songs and he mother told him that if he wanted to use his words to affect change, he needed to sing about something everyone could relate to. He then sang a beautifully moving song (that I can’t seem to find but will listen to all 14 of his albums until I do) and it ended with enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Joe and Amber had such charisma and ease on the stage and watching them have fun was so enjoyable. They put on a performance I know I will never forget, and I am so thankful for them, and folk music.
You can listen to the American Folk Soundtrack here.
BRIDGET BENEVIDES | “We are on this one little moment in time, so you might as well enjoy it.” -Amber Rubarth | KXSU Music Reporter