Seasoned songstress Melissa Ferrick’s new self-produced album, the truth is, features eleven compelling and honest tracks built around a bright folk-Americana sound that she has developed over the course of a lengthy career. This sound was on full display Monday evening during a solid performance at New York City’s Rockwood Music Hall. On a night meant to celebrate the release of her latest record, Ferrick and her band crowded onto a small stage in an intimate room to play a jovial hour-long set filled with new material and fun stories about the writing process.
Ferrick and her band played the entirety of the truth is, but first eased into the set with a few of the lighter (though no less melancholy) songs from the album. The group opened with the jazzy and memorable “Go Easy On Me” before playing “Wreck Me” and “Everything You Were,” two songs which Ferrick warned would be saddest of the set. While the lyrics told a devastating story of heartbreak and devotion, the singer/songwriter’s upbeat and cheerful demeanor kept the mood from growing too somber on this festive night.
Once settled, Ferrick became increasingly talkative, quipping with her band mates and sharing stories with the audience about the writing process before playing some of the new album’s strongest songs. Prior to performing “Time To Leave,” Ferrick discussed musician Skip James’ influence on the song’s melody, and the unusual experience of writing lyrics after music. She followed up with the first radio single from the truth is, titled “Pity Song,” and “Overboard,” a track that, according to Ferrick, represents anger in her personal experience with the five stages of grief. Through this part of the set, Ferrick’s impeccable guitar skills and intense vocals were on full display, drawing some of the loudest applause of the night and electrifying the small, devoted audience.
After performing her new record, Ferrick ended her set with two fan favorites, starting with “Weightless and Slow” and transitioning perfectly into “Drive” using a series of electronic effects. While her beautiful performance of 2011’s “Weightless and Slow” brought the crowd into a momentary lull, the almost exceedingly descriptive and sexual “Drive” truly stole the show while whipping the audience into a frenzy. This intense performance showcased Ferrick’s rhythmic guitar and her edgy vocals one final time and brought the room to its feet in appreciation and elation.
Ferrick’s performance at Rockwood Music Hall ultimately demonstrated why she continues to succeed after two decades in the music business. Alongside her performance, rife with raw energy and witty banter, her new album the truth is exemplifies her natural evolution as an artist. With her musical talent in one hand and personal growth in the other, 2013 will undoubtedly be a very successful year for Ferrick.
Setlist:
Go Easy On Me
Wreck Me
Everything You Were
Time to Leave
Love Ain’t Afraid
Pity Song
Overboard
I Don’t Want You to Change
Home
Take in All the Plants
The Truth Is
Weightless and Slow
Drive
