THE BYGONES / MALI VELASQUEZ – LIVE AT THE SINCLAIR
By James Marinaccio
Living near Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA comes with some drawbacks, but also some perks. Among the drawbacks include high rent, expensive groceries, and interacting with snobby Harvard “intellectuals”. Among the perks is living only a short walk away from the Sinclair. The Sinclair is a small 525 person venue located in the heart of Harvard Square, and is a personal favorite venue of mine. I arrived at the Sinclair at around 7:30 pm on a Thursday to check out a band based out of Nashville called The Bygones. I admittedly got there much too early, and I was probably one of only a dozen people there; however, by the time the opener Mali Velasquez took the stage, the crowd filled in to a respectable and non-awkward level.
Mali Velasquez is an American indie folk musician hailing from Texas, but more recently based out of Nashville Tennessee. She took the stage with just her acoustic guitar and opened with her song “Bobby”. “Bobby” was first released as a single and then on her debut album titled, I’m Green and is probably my favorite song of her’s. Mali’s delivery throughout her set was extremely vulnerable and raw. She had little to hide behind except her guitar and microphone.
Mali’s lack of bandmates was accentuated by the empty microphone to her right, and unmanned drum kit behind her. Although alone on stage, it was soon apparent Mali was not going to allow this to hinder her ability to perform her songs to their full potential. Mali’s song writing reminded me a lot of Pinegrove and Alex G, all while delivering her lyrics with a familiar southern drawl. Mali’s stripped down set was an incredible start to the night.
When The Bygones took the stage, they were greeted by emphatic cheers from the crowd. The Bygones consist primarily of Joshua Lee Turner and Allison Young. The set began with Turner and Young performing an acapella rendition of “The Clover Saloon” by Connie Converse. This song was a heartfelt homage to The Bygones‘ deep-seated admiration for classic folk and country. This moment also served as an ideal showcase for Turner and Young to demonstrate their exceptional vocal prowess.
Musical talent and dedication was on full display throughout The Bygones’ set. This band is tight. Turner is a world class guitarist who will quickly remind you of such when let loose for a concise yet captivating guitar solo. Turner’s ability to climb up and down the neck of a guitar with pinpoint accuracy will inevitably hook your interest. Allison Young’s vocal control is exceptional. She has a very clean style to the likes of a classic jazz singer. Young allows herself to feel the song she is performing, and this enthusiasm and sincerity allows the crowd to connect with her and in turn the band.
After roughly half a dozen duets, Young and Turner welcomed Jacob Grissom on drums and Thad Kopec on bass. The additional band members joined Turner and Young mid-song, which the crowd loved. The bass and drums raised the energy in the room considerably. The Bygones are intentful in what they do, and this doesn’t stop at how they bring in a bass guitar and some drums. Turner and Young engaged the crowd in between songs by supplying context for the song to be played next. This created an intimate atmosphere, fostering a deep connection between the audience and the band.
Stylistically, The Bygones are definitely influenced by jazz, classic folk, and rock and roll. Their sound is at times incredibly nostalgic. One of my personal favorites of the night was “When I’m with You (Christmas Everyday)”. Young’s soulful and elegant vocals accompanied by Turner’s warm and twangy Fender telecaster was perfect. Other highlights included “How Do You Waste a Day?” where the band really seemed to loosen up and have some fun. Overall, The Bygones put on a fantastic show. If you’re into folk music or even just indie rock, I would highly recommend checking out The Bygones’ discography.
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