Review - Sarah Jarosz at Brooklyn Bowl, Nashville
Sarah Jarosz brought her road-hot band to Nashville’s Brooklyn Bowl last night. It was a homecoming of sorts for the Texas-born singer-songwriter who recently left New York for the Music City.
Jarosz’s new album, Polaroid Lovers, is a bold step toward the pop mainstream from a one-time folk/bluegrass prodigy. It’s a strong effort, but one that’s full of the kind of dreamy songs that might make for a sleepy live show. Jarosz’s energy and confidence – she was clearly excited to be playing in Nashville - as well as her musical chops and those of her band, kept things lively and allowed the new songs to flex.
As with the new album, she kicked off the show with “Jealous Moon,” a shimmering banger that set the tone for a soaring concert while also clearing sonic space for thoughtful prettiness like “When the Lights Go Out” and “Columbus and 89th.”
Jarosz is a virtuoso multi-instrumentalist, moving effortlessly between octave mandolin, banjo, and both acoustic and electric guitar. Given the strength of both her playing and her vocals, it might have been easy to choose a merely solid yet forgettable back-up band. But Jarosz showed that she isn’t afraid to share the spotlight in service of the songs.
Guitar player Seth Taylor is a Nashville session A-lister, with recording credits that include Zach Bryan and Willie Nelson. He seemed just as comfortable with both tight accompaniment and incendiary solos, while Eric Doob (drums) and Daniel Kimbro (bass) kept the whole thing in the groove. Kimbro shone particularly on the upright bass.
The 19-song set was heavy on the new stuff, and that felt right. But selections from her six earlier albums still played well. A lovely version of “Blue Heron” was offered as a Mother’s Day dedication. And “Jacqueline,” played solo while the band stepped off, was beautiful.
“Take the High Road” was another strong performance toward the end of the set, which also included a Bob Dylan cover, “Ring Them Bells.”
A highlight for me was “Good at What I Do,” a co-write with Natalie Hemby. In a business that seems to reward bravado over vulnerability, it is honest in asking the age-old creative question:
“Am I good at what I do? Do I live up to the kings?
Will my words go on forever when my voice no longer sings?
Is it all up in my head, or is it all up to you?
I don’t really know if I’m good at what I do.”
Spoiler alert: She is.
Find out more about Sarah Jarosz at the links below: