 "Photo: Courtesy of Jenny Lewis")
Jenny Lewis never fails to put on a show that is both physically and emotionally moving. Though the 33-year-old Lewis is normally found playing guitar and singing in the band Rilo Kiley, she is currently doing her own thing as a solo artist.
Her latest release, 2008’s Acid Tongue, is reminiscent of ’70s style rock ‘n’ roll mixed with a healthy portion of soul. The track on that album that stands out more than any other, “The Next Messiah,” is eight minutes and 45 seconds of screeching guitar chords and plowing drum beats. It’s a real treat to hear Lewis sing the song live, as she lets her soul scream in the song and even breaks it down with a little help from Jonathan Rice, who plays guitar in her band.
Lewis is not only a little bit rock ’n’ roll, she’s a little bit gospel as well. She experimented with this sound on her first solo release, Rabbit Fur Coat, for which she sang alongside the Watson Twins, who are known for their amazing harmonies, and a church-choir background. Though the Watson Twins no longer tour with Lewis, the songs she performs from that album are still awe-inspiring and worth experiencing live.
On stage Jenny Lewis is full of energy and always seems engaged with her lyrics and audience. She smiles and laughs playfully throughout her shows, letting you know that she is having a good time and that you can too. She has the ability to make you dance with songs like “See Fernando” and to make you want to cry with songs like “Acid Tongue.” No matter which portions of her multifaceted catalog she draws from, if you catch Lewis tonight at Stubb’s, prepare to be moved.
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