photo by Morgen Schuler (view set)
When every member of a band comes from other (and sometimes more commercially successful) bands, it’s usually a sign that the members are either doing it as a lark or following a true passion. In the case of Portland, OR’s Black Prairie, the five bandmates seem truly to be loving what they do. Comprised of three members of The Decemberists (Chris Funk, Nate Query, Jenny Conlee) plus violinist Annalisa Tornfelt (The Woolwines, Bearfoot) and guitarist Jon Neufeld (Jackstraw, Dolorean), the group draws its roots in American bluegrass and European folk, following rather than contemporary pop a more traditional meaning to the word “popular” -- as in, of and for the people. Their mainly acoustic, mostly instrumental songs are as likely to lead you through the dark woods as lift your spirits, but they’ll always get into into a foot stomping mood. Though we’ve caught them before in streets of Portland during MFNW 2010 and at our studios back in January of 2011, they returned for another stellar performance following their 2012 release, A Tear in the Eye Is a Wound in the Heart. Watch the session here:
Full Performance:
One Comment
Oh no ,I can’t view , am watching from a kindle with lite flash.
Bringing me joy ,saw on tiny desk concerts!