Tim Bracken, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – This weekend offers a chance to hear two songwriters whose roots are steeped in Americana, folk and a touch of the avant-garde.
Richard Buckner and Andrew Grimm are scheduled to perform Sunday, Dec. 2 at local music venue DC9.
Early in his career, Buckner, who is currently based in New York State, became a favorite of alt-country devotees.
His husky vocals and guitar playing invoke classic folk and outlaw country influence, but many of his recordings are characterized by adventurous arrangement choices — feedback-laden guitar, vibraphone and sparse keyboards add depth and drama to Buckner’s songs.
Buckner’s most recent album, “Our Blood,” is stripped-down, concise and intimate.
Clocking in at under 40 minutes, the album’s nine tracks showcase Buckner’s ability to coax atmosphere out of just a handful of instruments. Like most of the songwriter’s work, repeated listenings are rewarding.
Baltimore songwriter Grimm will perform a solo acoustic set of songs from his band June Star.
He cites Buckner as a big influence.
“I’ve learned how to play solo acoustic shows by watching him,” Grimm writes in an email.
While his songs often veer more toward rock, his songs always steer clear of excess.
Listen to “Traitor”:
01 Richard Buckner – Traitor by decorrecords
Grimm’s latest June Star album, “Slow Dance,” features plenty of rock, but never strays too far from the territory of American roots music.
Listen to “Slow Dance” by June Star:
Fans of earnest and emotional songwriting won’t want to miss this performance.
Tickets are $12, doors open at 8 p.m. at DC9.
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