Tuesday night at the Rutledge served to transport audience members into a folk oblivion, as they listened to three memorable performances by young local artists Cruz Contreras, Angel Snow and Megan McCormick.
Cruz started the night off with a few rowdy numbers that drew from old-school country – (hot) – creating the perfect environment for Angel Snow to take the stage and smooth things out. Her velvety voice drew characteristics from the likes of folk music’s most soothing songbirds, i.e. Emmylou Harris, Patty Griffin and Shawn Colvin (Snow’s voice is more than appropriate for her name).
Her songs evocatively portrayed heartbreak in its many forms, using a surprisingly raw and organic sound – even for folk. One song in particular, "Let Me Go Tonight," sounded like Mary Timony’s relaxing "In The Grass," proving to be a nice transition into the many pleasantries of Megan McCormick.
McCormick seemed to have slightly changed her sound over the past several months. At times, she has played the expected songs of a female, folk singer-songwriter, but at other times she has played straight up folk-rock. Tuesday’s performance, however, featured pop- and jazz-infused folk numbers, reminding audience members more of Shelby Lynne than Grace Potter. Of course, with the way she shredded on her electric guitar (while somehow managing to effortlessly create an ambience that is rarely created by a lead singer during a performance), there were still hints of Bonnie Raitt and the old Megan McCormick we all know. And, of course, she played some of her popular ballads that never fail to make people shut the hell up and listen – or cry – including "Wasted" and the wistful "Driveway."
Both Megan and Angel Snow willb e on tour for the next several months, but until you have a chance to catch them perform live, check out their Myspaces, and also be sure to vote for The Deli’s Artist of the Month Poll. (Both McCormick and Snow are in the running right now). – Erin Manning
