I left a snowy, wintery UK on Sunday and arrived back in New York in time to catch a concert at the City Winery just down the street from me. Iris DeMent was playing songs from her new album, “Sing the Delta.” I’ve been an Iris fan for many years but have never seen her live before. I was introduced to her through several duets with one of my old time favorites, John Prine (‘In Spite of Ourselves’ is a classic). She’s part of a small group of singer/songwriters I really like. She’s married to Greg Brown, plays with John Prine and is big friends with Tom Russell and Lucinda Williams. My favorite song of hers is called ‘Our Town’ which she sang last night. She was born in Arkansas and was one of 14 children. (That must have called for some parenting.) Check her out.
The City Winery is a terrific venue, halfway between my loft and the Agency on Varick Street. It’s a place where you book a table, eat a few plates of salami and cheese, and drink a good bottle of red while watching a terrific, concert close-up.
All time favorite Robert Earl Keen is playing there next Monday. I’ll be in Paris. Bugger.
KR
