There is always a common thread with all of bands that perform at Saturn in Birmingham. They always speak very highly of the venue and it’s green room as well as the barbecue joint across the street. With bunk beds, pool table and full kitchen, the green room is a welcome sight for the weary road traveler and Saw’s Soul Kitchen is no joke and the best barbecue in town. When She Keeps Bees opened up for Benjamin Booker last Thursday, more praise was given as if almost on queue.
She Keeps Bees
After two months and 14,000 miles, She Keeps Bees returned to Birmingham for their last stop in support of Benjamin Booker. Lead singer and guitarist Jessica Larrabee and drummer Andy LaPlant were very vocal about how much they enjoyed being on the road with Booker and his band and how sad they were that it was coming to an end. The tone and vibe of their set seemed to reflect those feelings.
She Keeps Bees
With just a guitar and drum kit, they had a reverse White Stripes feel with the vocals of Cat Power or Florence Welch. It was the kind of performance that makes you shut up and pay attention. Unfortunately not everyone was as respectful and at one point Larrabee was visibly disturbed by this, which was understandable when there is a coffee bar in the other room to chat about your trip to Home Goods. After completing their set they were very reserved and left the stage and quickly returned to clear the stage where many fans were there to greet them with words of support. Benjamin Booker accompanied by his band then took the stage.
Benjamin Booker
Touring to promote his sophomore album Witness, released in June via ATO Records, Booker started off with the lead track “Right on You” which set the tone for what was a fast paced, no nonsense set. The title track, “Witness” was played a few songs in. On the album version the incomparable Mavis Staples sang backup, so that night at Saturn, Jessica Larrabee returned to the stage one last time and didn’t disappoint.
The set then rolled on with more soulful, raspy vocals from Booker. Really his unique and loving trademark. A couple of times he would put down his guitar and just sing. I enjoyed the way he changed up each song from his first album in a way that made me question if it was a new song all together.
After getting his big break opening up for Jack White, Booker has played on late night talk shows and all kinds of major music festivals. I think him residing in New Orleans only helps his vintage rock sound and keeps the blues, soul and gospel genres influencing his work and I by choice wouldn’t have it any other way.
Check out Art Husband’s photos from the show:
