If angels exist they sound like Dana Falconberry. Angelic is an adjective probably too often ascribed to musicians, particularly those of the female persuasion. However, I make the comparison pointedly, because Falconberry sings beautifully to be sure, but in her own strangely, entrancingly beautiful way, full of naïve oddity. If angels exist, they probably don’t sound like the polished singing from pitch perfect, vocally trained singers our culture often praises. Instead, they probably sound like something we’d never expect. Like an entirely different species. Something like innocence and hope and wonder and youth and darkness and love. They must sound like Dana Falconberry.
Falconberry has been working toward the release of Leelanau for what seems like years now, as she told the crowd from the stage a little over a week ago at her album release show at the Scottish Rite Theater in Austin. She has been on the road almost incessantly for months, working as hard as any musician I’ve ever known, to promote the album’s release. Along the way, she managed to have a song backed by NPR, and her album streamed on SPIN’s website. This lady is making national waves, and we couldn’t be happier for her.
For her album release show, she went all out, not only asking some of Austin’s best bands to perform with her, but also soliciting the help of the Tosca String Quartet and harpist Elaine Barber, who play on the album. The night revealed a veritable rotating cast of players helping out on songs, including the members of opening band Marmalakes. From the opening song, crowd favorite “Crooked River,” Falconberry had the audience in the palm of her hand. A genuine joy and an electric feeling of positivity circulated between the performers and the fans. The songs ranged from the cute, subtle pop of “Lake Charlevoix” to the epic, orchestral flourishes of album closer and title-track “Leelanau.” The lights were beautiful, the backdrop of ornate trees gorgeous, perfectly fitting the evening’s music.
We’ve written before about just how elated we are about the work that Falconberry has been doing lately, but until she’s selling millions of records, we’re going to just keep telling you. See this band live. Buy this album. For the time being, you can still stream the entire album on SPIN’s website right here if you need convincing. Falconberry is on tour for the rest of October, and the dates are listed below, preceding the photo set from the show. If you’re lucky enough to have her playing in your city, get out and support her on the road. You’ll be doing yourself a favor.
Dana Falconberry Tour Dates:
10.11.12 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Thursdays ^
10.12.12 – Raleigh, NC @ Slims ^
10.13.12 – Charleston, SC @ Tin Roof ^
10.14.12 – Columbia, SC @ Conundrum ^
10.15.12 – Atlanta, GA @ The EARL ^
10.16.12 – Denver, CO @ Leon
10.17.12 – Boulder, CO @ Fox Theater*
10.19.12 – Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon*
10.21.12 – Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue*
10.22.12 – Chicago, IL @ Metro*
10.23.12 – Detroit, MI @ The Magic Stick*
10.24.12 – Toronto, ON@ Lee’s Palace*
10.25.12 – Clifton Park, NY @ Upstate Concert Hall*
10.26.12 – Boston, MA @ Royale Night Club*
10.27.12 – New York NY @ Irving Plaza*
10.29.12 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer*
10.30.12 – Washington, DC @ The Black Cat*
^ solo tour with My Jerusalem
* full band tour supporting Heartless Bastards
All photos by Bryan Parker. Click any image to open in slideshow view.
