With band

I've got all three albums by singer-songwriter (and proud Nutley, N.J. native) Sharon Van Etten. Her introspective, minimalist folk is right up my alley (granted, I have several alleys). I was glad to hear she was coming through town, and happier still to see that even on a Monday night a lot of Ottawans share my high opinion of her songcraft. For this gig, Edmonton-to-Ottawa performer Landon A.R. Coleman filled the opening slot - a most appropriate choice he is too.

I didn't notice he was all that unshaven at his Raw Sugar show, opening for Nat Baldwin, but apparently he was extra-special spruced up for this gig, which led him to a charming/gruesome bit of banter about how he bled on his now-fiancee on their first date. He also covered Buffalo Springfield.


Landon A.R. Coleman at Mavericks, July 30, 2012

He had a backing band for this gig, including Jon from Poorfolk and Winchester Warm. Here's a drummer, direct from Montreal.


Landon A.R. Coleman at Mavericks, July 30, 2012

Van Etten was a very engaging performer, both during and between songs, such as joking about her discovery of pedals, and how her first album is a quarter-tone off due to the guitar only being in tune with itself, and how one of the song's obscure object of desire was in fact New Jersey hoagies. Like Coleman she had a backing trio with her, so some of those minimalist tunes got quite amped up.

Sharon in electric mode.


Sharon Van Etten at Mavericks, July 30, 2012

And acoustic. She later doffed her top to reveal a band T-shirt. "This is where I reveal I'm a secret Low fan." "Shock!" chimed in an audience member.



In sum, a good time was had by all.

• Show reminder: It's a busy Tuesday, with Calculator, Prawn and Shahman performing at 337 Lemoine St.; Calvin Johnson and Katie & The Lichen playing Pressed; Strung Out, Such Gold, Handguns and Sidelines rocking Ritual; and Imaginary Cities, The Murder Plans and Hinterlandband rolling into Mavericks.