Evie Ladin opens for the Stray Birds on May 24 at the Old Stone Performing Arts Center (previously the Old Stone Church). The Stray Birds is an acoustic trio on a coast-to-coast tour, stopping by Bend between gigs in Ashland and Eugene. The Evie Ladin Band just released its new album, "Jump the Fire," earlier this month.
The album is a good example of the influence of African and African-American music on the Appalachian music that is a part of the Evie Ladin Band's sound. "Pulling out the polyrhythmic syncopations of the banjo, percussion, bass lines, the African Diaspora is all over this music," says Ladin.
Her influences include traditional and contemporary musicians, from Roscoe Holcomb to Prince. "As a teenager I was especially influenced by neo-trad bands of the time like the Heartbeats and the Horseflies, who expand the old music into vastly new territory," she says.
Although asking an artist to choose a favorite song is akin to choosing a favorite child, Ladin says "Cozy" really reaches into peoples' feel-good place. It's a smooth follow-up to the title track, "Jump the Fire," an ode to summer festivals and folk music. Folk operetta comes into play in "Only You" and "Under the Waterline."
The Evie Ladin Band combines Appalachian claw hammer banjo, guitar, bass and percussive dance, with contemporary storytelling and conversation between the band members. Ladin's band includes jazz drummer and contemporary music artist Keith Terry on bass, body music, percussion and vocals. Erik Pearson completes the trio on guitar, bass, banjo and vocals. The group's three-part harmony goes right to the heart when performed live and on the new album, "Jump the Fire," produced by Eli West and mixed by Bruce Kaphan.
The Stray Birds with special guest Evie Ladin
Tuesday, May 24, 7:30 p.m.
The Old Stone Performing Arts Center
157 NW Franklin Ave., Bend
$15
