Do you know that distant but comforting feeling of warmth that fall ironically brings us? The Zoo Bar does.
As October births colder weather, crisper air and darker days, a small, cozy bar with good people and very good live music is the perfect haven for the soul that wants to step outside from the cold and into a place that immediately makes you feeling warm in more than a few ways: Everyone is welcoming and with the space completely packed as it was this Wednesday night, you’ll be taking your coat off in no time.
Lincoln Calling brought a truly excellent lineup to the Zoo Bar on Wednesday:
The Highest Order
Bonehart Flannigan
The Big Deep
Orion Walsh and the Rambling Hearts
Henhouse Prowlers
I am sad to say that I couldn’t make it to the first two bands–I hear local Bonehart Flannigan is always a treat and recently finished recording some new tunes.
But, boy am I happy to say I made it to the rest.
[title size=”3″ style=”options: default, sidebar”]The Big Deep[/title] has got soul and a sense of camaraderie that translates into the crowd and is complimented by the very atmosphere that the Zoo Bar is known for having, as I attempted to describe earlier. The music is not only music that I would–and you should, as well–go see again and listen to in my free time–but it was also a fun and entertaining performance.
No member took an annoying amount of attention. There are several members: drums, keys, guitar, more guitar and bass, singer/guitarist, and female back-up vocalist.
The sound was down-home folk with so many more styles infused into the product: mostly bluegrass as well as rock and blues. The sound is completely accessible to any typical audience member and so infectious you’ll likely be swaying or something of the sort before you know it.
The Big Deep was simply charming and good fun. The highlights were the sick slide guitar solos and playing and the female vocals that added an element to the band that distinguishing their music from other similar bands’.
A particularly beautiful song is “Roman Empire.” Listen here: https://www.facebook.com/thebigdeep/app_204974879526524https:
[title size=”3″ style=”options: default, sidebar”]Orion Walsh and the Rambling Hearts[/title] were also a nice, enjoyable treat.
The group was smaller but with just as much enthusiasm and talent to capture the audience. Orion played the banjo most of the time but wasn’t afraid to own the classic combination of acoustic guitar and harmonica. Accompanying him was guitarist and a drummer.
This group is similar to the prior. Even with less members, the sound is just as strong and sweet. Orion’s vocals come through loud and clear and did the music justice.
The music is bluegrass and it has a feeling of an acoustic act as well. Who doesn’t love the banjo? I really don’t know.
This band delivered. Orion Walsh, with or without The Rambling Hearts, has already played in Lincoln a few times this year. Catch him next time! And look for their new album to be out soon.
http://orionwalsh.bandcamp.com/
And then, holy shit, Henhouse Prowlers. I had to make a whole other review for this kickass headling band. Check out the photos and words here:http://seedsent.com/lincoln-calling-day-2-henhouse-prowlers/
All photos by Annie Bohling | Seeds Entertainment
