I first saw Slaid Cleaves on stage at the Barns of Wolf Trap outside Washington, D.C. He was the opening act, but he quickly won over a tough audience with his compelling story-songs and confident presence.
“Sorrow And Smoke: Live at the Horseshoe Lounge, a new two CD set (#26 on the Americana music chart), captures a similar performance at an Austin bar that he confesses he was once afraid to enter.
It’s as real as a live album gets, complete with banter, audience shout-outs, a false start and plugs for a local record store and Cleaves’ website.
It’s also pretty stark, with basic acoustic accompaniment, and serious themes. “Another day another year, death keeps whispering in my ear,” he sings on “A Sinner’s Prayer.”
When Cleaves does lighten up a bit, the performance is fun and boisterous, particularly on “Tumbleweed Stew.”
“Go for the Gold” is the set’s new song and it’s an intriguing one. Cleaves channels Woody Guthrie on this vintage-sounding, yet very contemporary gospel song that criticizes those who would use faith to divide us.
Slaid Cleaves is a talented songwriter who can win over an audience. “Sorrow and Smoke” makes that doubly clear.
