Brian Just CD Release Show with Meg Ashling and Switzerlind at 331 Club on 5/30/08

By: Bob Longmore

The crowd wandered in and out of the 331 Club all night, but when the sounds of angel voices rolling off the ripples of crashing waves were overwhelmed by the ringing of an electric guitar, they stood still. This is how the Brian Just CD release show begins, the intro to "In the Sun," sets the mood perfectly for what followed, a relaxed, contemplative evening. Just makes everything he does look effortless and carefree, but he actually crafts complex and memorable songs. He just does it with an easy hand and smooth voice.

On Just's new CD Open Air, he finds himself no longer the lone troubadour behind an acoustic guitar, but he is now the confident leader of a rock band. Just acknowledged this newfound role from the stage, "I usually play an acoustic guitar, but I'm playing electric because it is more fun."

The five-piece band definitely created a different sound than what I was used to seeing from Just, but they were restrained enough to not trample on the delicateness of his words. It is a credit to Just and his band that nothing sounded out of place, and even though the band may not have been playing as a unit for all that long, they sounded as if they were moving as one. Even though you may not hear a flute in a rock band all that often, Jenny Hanson's playing always seemed like the exact right thing at the right time without overshadowing the rest of the band. Josie Schmitt's keyboards served as the perfect counterpoint to Just's guitarplaying. The newest member, bassist Andre Leroux appropriately underscored the rhythm.

Just ended with the song that first endeared me to his music, "Duluth," from his Every Tree and Every Stone album, a song I've spent much time with. I was worried that the immediate and vulnerable nature of the song would be compromised, but it sounded good with the full band. They were able to take the finger picking folk version and fashion it in their new sound. It's interesting to see how bands can build upon their core strengths and add new dimensions and depth.

Opening the night at the 331 was the unique voice of Meg Ashling. She is quirky, but sincere in her style—a style borrowing heavily from folk and bluegrass. She is mesmerizing as she sings songs of heartache and paints pictures that bring to mind rusted out pickups and overalls.

Also on the bill were Switzerlind, an instrumental group that create dense melodies and ever-shifting rhythms. They are all talented musicians and enthusiastic performers, but I couldn't help feeling like I wanted more. I'll be honest, I get antsy without lyrics. I am definitely someone who focuses on lyrics, so maybe that is why I felt underwhelmed by Switzerlind.

Brian Just Setlist
In the Sun
St. Croix
Open Air
Seppman Mill
Blue
Janus
Summer Was Over
Me and You
Apple Tree
Duluth

Brian Just - Photo by David de Young

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