Lori McKenna is one of the finest Americana songwriters of the 21st century. She is also the mother of five children, an award winning artist whose songs have been covered by Faith Hill, Little Big Town and Tim McGraw, and a brilliant lyricist as well. Her latest release, “The Tree” is a masterpiece from start to finish, and her CD release show at New York City’s City Winery felt like coming home. Her songs are beautiful slices of life and family, and her live show conveyed that magic. [For our review of her album, click one of these bolded words.]
From the opening of “A Mother Never Rests” she brought us into her world and kept the crowd captivated for the entire show. Her melodies and lyrics are heartwarming and endearing on every song. “The Way Back Home” felt like advice she most likely has given to her kids. My favorite song of the night was probably “Young and Angry Again”, and judging by the response from the receptive crowd, I wasn’t the only one. Its upbeat groove and retrospective insights of youth gone by struck a resounding chord for all. Her touring band’s interpretations of the songs fleshed them out and drove their magic home, especially of songs like “The Fixer” and “People Get Old.”
The title track “The Tree” galvanized the love in the room, an intimate venue that has a way of making people feel like they are in the performers’ living room. “Happy People” seemed to get the crowd bouncing (at least in their seats!) before she unleashed a delightful stream of her previous hits like “The Bird and the Rifle”, “Old Men Young Women”, “Salt” and “Lorraine.” I would absolutely recommend seeing Lori McKenna live as she and her band put on a dynamic live show and really bring you in to their world onstage.
Her opening act, Whitney Fenimore, an Oklahoma native and veteran performer from NBC’s “The Voice”, delivered a dynamic and warmhearted set and is a standout performer as well. Accompanied by Travis L., a talented guitarist and vocalist, she presented some great songs form her latest CD “Battle Within” and will be someone we will hear more great music from I’m sure. It was a fine evening of great music in downtown NYC for sure.
For more info on Lori McKenna and to get your copy of The Tree, click here. http://www.lorimckenna.com/