JH Live: Shakey Graves + Turnpike Troubadours
(this piece was published by Planet Jackson Hole)
The hottest double-bill of the season could be upon us: Shakey Graves and Turnpike Troubadours at Jackson Hole Live. Here’s the scoop on the two acts that are currently on fire, all-the-rage and drawing hordes of Americana fans:
Singer-songwriter Alejandro Rose-Garcia, a.k.a. Shakey Graves, first grabbed the attention of indie music fans with his 2011 album “Roll the Bones,” which became one of Bandcamp.com’s best-selling and most-streamed offerings. His splice of blues, country and rock ‘n’ roll was presented in a lo-fi package, yet endearing to fans of such raw recordings. His 2014 sophomore release “And the War Came” took him from an up-and-coming Austin talent to a nationally renowned musician, and the album remained in the top 10 of the Americana Music Association’s airplay chart since its release last October.
All Shakey Graves albums have been available as name-your-price offerings ever since Austin’s then-mayor proclaimed Feb. 9, 2012 as “Shakey Graves Day,” which he has utilized over the years as his own indie release date. This includes his latest EP, “Nobody’s Fool,” comprised of previously unreleased demos and B-sides.
As a live act, he’s has been described as both candid and chatty. Shakey Graves gained a fanbase as a one-man-band — singing while playing guitar, and using his feet to stomp on a kick-drum and tambourine. These days, he reaches a more high-energy stage performance with the help of a drummer and guitarist. Perhaps his greatest tool in his multi-faceted musical box is his intensely raspy voice, one that can also be downplayed to sweet yet pronounced.
Sharing the bill is Turnpike Troubadours, hailing from the Red Dirt circuit of Oklahoma. The quintet has honed a gritty, quick-witted sound across three albums that a dynamic blend of folk, country, bluegrass, Cajun, honkytonk and rock with a fair share of political and social commentary. Perhaps the most striking is the simplistic yet nail-on-the-head songwriting of wordsmith/frontman Evan Felker. This is a damn good band, seen in Jackson before during their show at the Town Square Tavern.
The official after-party will ensue at Songwriter's Alley Open Mic, which is located at Haydens Post in Snow King Resort. You just never know who'll show up.
Jackson Hole Live presents Shakey Graves and Turnpike Troubadours, 6 p.m., Wednesday at Snow King Ball Field. Free, all-ages. JacksonHoleLiveMusic.com.