Strangefolk: Waterfront Park, Burlington, VT 8/11/12

Cynics might see the Strangefolk reunion show at Waterfront Park August 11th as nothing more than an indulgence in nostalgia, something akin to the classic rock shows that tour the sheds each summer. But the rain-delayed event was more like the get-together of old friends in a genuine reconnection of their relationship, all parties just as interested in how they had changed as in how much they had stayed the same.

Certainly Strangefolk has changed in the decade plus since the four original members had played together prior to the shows in the Northeast this past spring. Most significantly, perhaps, Luke Smith has turned into a powerhouse drummer: he doesn’t just keep a beat like he used to, but, before “Burned Down” was over, showed how he now  drives the band to play harder, with more authority and as much confidence as in their heyday.

That said, he’s become a master of dynamics as well, knowing how to restrain himself so that when he turns explosive, the effect is all the more powerful. Smith was a joy to behold throughout the uninterrupted two-hours plus Strangefolk held the stage in front of a sodden lakeside that had been pummeled with wind, rain, thunder and lighting earlier in the evening.

Guitarist Jon Trafton was only a little less of a delight as he allowed his imagination to run wild whenever he took a solo and, by rights, took over a tune whenever he did so. That’s not to say he didn’t solo with logic and decorum, but only that he was never at a loss for ideas—his tease of Grateful Dead’s “West LA Fadeaway” a wholly deliberate act of homage–and his extended turns in the spotlight deserved every bit of the rousing acclamation he received from the loyal but discerning audience who had waiting patiently for the gates to open near sundown.

If there’s a criticism to be levied at Strangefolk it’s that the familiar elements of their music still refuse to mesh seamlessly. Yet those motifs remain seductive: the prominence of Reid Genauer’s acoustic guitar in the mix (which actually lessened as the night wore on), the emphasis on vocal harmonies that are ageing so well (thanks in large measure to bassist Eric Glockler) and the combination of country/folk styles in original tunes such as “Speculator” (notwithstanding the Neil Young quote). 

But the quartet sound like a wholly different band when they improvise than when they play more structured numbers and it’s not Trafton’s reticence to supply fills with the same lighting speed he can solo. Strangefolk might do well to realign their setlists in such a way they avoid the rudderless intervals that occurred roughly an hour into this show, round about the time they played “Poland.”

Then there’s the alternative of Genauer forsaking his acoustic instrument for an electric one—perhaps a 12-string?—for second sets so the group could offer progressively more extended tunes as a performance evolves; the quartet moved back and forth from structure to jam somewhat haltingly in Burlington, though that may have been due to condensing two sets into one in anticipation
of another storm.

Still, Strangefolk regained their momentum and finished heartily with “Reuben’s Place” (within which they interpolated Willie Nelson’s “Whiskey River,” confirming roots extend deeper than the Dead) and an encore of “Roads” that seemed to speak not only to the evasion of more bad weather late in the evening, but also to the direct communication between Strangefolk their audience (and vice-versa).

These musicians clearly don’t need to alter their approach to validate the bond with their audience, but Genauer, Trafton, Smith and Glockler would certainly continue to nurture a healthy relationship with their fans, not to mention further their growth as a musical unit, with a slight turn in direction. Strangefolk reunions, however often they occur,  would then always be worth anticipating as much as this latest one is worth remembering. “The Edge of Eden” indeed.

Setlist
So Well
Utterly Addled >
Burned Down
Like You Anyway
Speculator*
Walnut
See To
Poland
Cabin John >
Neighbor >
Cabin John
Westerly**
Faces
Chasing Away***
Elixir
Reuben’s Place intro >
Whiskey River >
Reuben’s Place
-Encore-
Roads

Notes:
*with "Comes A time" lyrics
**with "Lone Tree" lyrics
***with "West LA Fade Away" teases by Jon
Due to possible inclement weather, the band decided not to take a setbreak and play straight up to curfew.

Related Content

Recent Posts

New to Glide

Keep up-to-date with Glide

Twitter