Sarah Jarosz and Parker Millsap at the Levitt-Shell in Memphis TN

[tburcham]

Mandolin Cafe Friends,

Had the wonderful opportunity to hear Sarah Jarosz and Parker Millsap at the Levitt-Shell outdoor performance center in Memphis TN on Friday, Sept. 23rd! First let me say I really enjoyed Parker Millsap's opening performance (I quickly picked up his latest CD). He's a great blues-style singer and songwriter...check him out!

After a short intermission, Sarah Jarosz (octave mandolin and guitar), Jeff Picker (bass), and Jeb Hughes (electric and acoustic guitar and harmony vocals) took the stage (which was about 30 feet from my front row chair). You can always tell when an artist is the "real deal" ... let me tell you, Sarah Jarosz and her band mates are the real deal! What do I mean by the real deal...she sounds exactly like her studio recordings...LIVE! I kid you not, if you closed your eyes you might think you were listening to the CD (I have all but one of her CDs as well). From her latest album/CD I ascribed most of the cool instrumentals to Sarah, but alas most of them are performed by guitarist Jeb Hughes! He is an outstanding guitarist and provided silky smooth harmony vocals to Sarah's unique voice. This is a night I will never forget...it was just a spectacular show! Did I mention that all the performances at the Levitt-Shell are free (they pass the hat)! If you are ever in Memphis, check out the Levitt-Shell and see if there is a performance you can take in...great venue!

[CES]

Agree, saw them recently at an awesome venue in Charlotte, NC, and concur with all you report...

[Rick Crenshaw]

Funny. My band was playing a gig at a downtown coffee shop, The Tamp & Tap, for their bluegrass brunch when we looked up and the bass player spotted Sarah and said something. The two guys with her (Jeff and Jeb?) sat and listened for a tune smiling and then left as they were obviously on their way somewhere. Didn't know she was playing the Shell as I had just come back into town. So... I didn't hear them, but they heard me!

[Ray(T)]

Thanks for the report Tim, we're due to see the same show when it hits the UK (Sheffield) in November.

[Elizabeth Fox]

I saw them in Birmingham on Sunday night and just have to echo the sentiment that Sarah Jarosz is the real deal. She and her band were a delight to hear. The quality of the music was amazing, as was their professional, but very warm and friendly delivery. I highly recommend that you catch their show if you can.

[Chinn]

Hate that I missed this, however, I was in a wedding downtown this weekend and had rehearsal Friday night.

Sounds like it was great!

[tburcham]

Funny. My band was playing a gig at a downtown coffee shop, The Tamp & Tap, for their bluegrass brunch when we looked up and the bass player spotted Sarah and said something. The two guys with her (Jeff and Jeb?) sat and listened for a tune smiling and then left as they were obviously on their way somewhere. Didn't know she was playing the Shell as I had just come back into town. So... I didn't hear them, but they heard me!

Rick,

Great to hear from you. Hope you're doing well.