Let the luting begin

A few days ago I was surprised to get an e-mail from John Westhaver at Birdman Sound, forwarding a message that Jozef Van Wissem was performing at the Mercury Lounge on Thursday. Van Wissem has gained a pretty good reputation among fans of psychedelic and experimental folk for his work with the baroque and Renaissance lutes.

I had seen Musk Ox perform at the Mercury Lounge earlier in the month and naturally thought he would be an ideal opening act, and lo and behold, here's Nathan Larochette - solo this time.


Musk Ox at Mercury Lounge, March 22, 2012

Jozef Van Wissem has been touring with Robbie Lee, a Brooklyn based music improviser who used a baroque recorder, soprillo saxophone and body microphone to make some strange sounds. Someone should stick him on a bill with Colin Stetson if they haven't already.


Robbie Lee at Mercury Lounge, March 22, 2012

This marks my first and likely last sighting of a soprillo saxophone.


Robbie Lee at Mercury Lounge, March 22, 2012

He joined Van Wissem for his first song.


Jozef Van Wissem and Robbie Lee at Mercury Lounge, March 22, 2012

Thirteen-course action!


Jozef Van Wissem at Mercury Lounge, March 22, 2012

Van Wissem also makes use of feedback ... John Dowland never done it like that!


Jozef Van Wissem at Mercury Lounge, March 22, 2012

A fine show, though I'm afraid the low-key promotion meant the turnout was quite small.

• Show reminder: Damo Suzuki stops in at the Dominion, with backing from The Band Whose Name Is A Symbol; Project Mars, Headbounce and Innerpeace perform at Zaphod's. The Great Sabatini, Collider and Loviatar destroy Cafe DeKcuf; The Pelts and The Hornettes play the Rainbow; Brock Zeman celebrates his birthday at Irene's; Cornflower Blue give a free shindig at The Elmdale.