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| Esme Patterson @ Rickshaw Stop 6/27/2016 photo by Marc Fong |
Four years ago Esme Patterson released her first solo album after venturing away from her Denver-based indie band, Paper Bird. Now, she is currently on tour for her third solo album, We Were Wild, which was released on June 10th and on Monday June 27th she played at Rickshaw Stop in SF.
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| Frankie Lee @ Rickshaw Stop 6/27/2016 photo by Marc Fong |
The small crowd quietly enjoyed the supporting act's almost acoustic, Americana set from Mississippian, Frankie Lee and band. The young wanderlust singer-songwriter, guitarist unpretentiously embodies a Springsteen, Dylan aesthetic with down-to-earth, easy listening indie-rock rooted in country and blues. He ingeniously incorporates songwriting tips he got from late, great Merle Haggard: it's a stylish twang and laconic delivery you can't deny even if your not familiar with the most influential country star from the 1960's.
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| Frankie Lee @ Rickshaw Stop 6/27/2016 photo by Marc Fong |
On stage he looked exactly how he looks in photos from interviews I've read about him: from his wide brim hat, suede ankle boots, white cuffed jeans, a worn leather jacket and Hawaiian style shirt that he got on Haight Ashbury earlier that day, Frankie Lee is the epitome of a folk-indie Hipster. Oh yeah, and a beard of course! His SF friendly appearance was just as genuine as his excitement to be playing in San Francisco and his overall love for SF, which I think made show-goers more open to him.
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| Esme Patterson @ Rickshaw Stop 6/27/2016 photo by Marc Fong |
His falsetto range against charming string harmonies of faintly humming bass, summery guitars and fleeting lap steele guitar was a pleasant contrast. It's the type of music that would be a perfect soundtrack as someone cooled down with an ice-cold lemonade on a porch at sunset after a long day of working on the farm.
In a blink of an eye, Esme graciously appeared, gracing the stage like a breath of fresh air. Her contagious smile complemented her friendly nature as she introduced herself and gushed about how she loved being back in SF. Frankie Lee's bassist played guitar along-side Esme and his lap steele guitarist played bass. It was refreshing to see their role swap and the exchange really highlighted the two bands' kinship.
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| Esme Patterson @ Rickshaw Stop 6/27/2016 photo by Marc Fong |
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| Esme Patterson @ Rickshaw Stop 6/27/2016 photo by Marc Fong |
This theme of self-assurance and awareness embedded somewhere in each of the 12 songs on the new album can uplift even the saddest track. Overlaying fuzzy guitars give what some are calling her most fiery solo work to date a surf-rock feel while her modestly soulful voice keeps her new music grounded in folky indie. Along with playing a bunch from We Were Wild, Esme also dipped into her concept album from 2014, Woman to Woman including her answer to Dolly Parton's infamous, "Jolene", "Never Chase a Man". Because her second album flips the script of big hits that are from a man's perspective she was labeled a feminist artist and although she identifies as one, that isn't her musical agenda. Esme Patterson is a woman writing and performing songs about lessons her heart gives her mind. It's poigant, it's emotional, it's moving and her stage presence makes all it a bit more youthful.
Esme Patterson is playing some of her up-coming shows are with Brett Dennen before her Summer tour ends in August!
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