Show Review + New Song: BEN TRICKEY @ The Earl

Ben Trickey was the first of two opening acts for Damien Jurado’s set at The EARL on Wednesday, May 23rd (Jurado review coming soon). He is an Atlanta-based singer-songwriter who has been writing songs and making records for a little over a decade. His set was a mix of songs from his back catalogue and most recent 7” release “Open the Sky” which includes a cover of Daniel Johnston’s “True Love Will Find You in the End” that Trickey imbues beautifully with his own vocal style keeping alive the Johnston classic.

I was most intrigued by the seemingly effortless vibrato in his voice which was a perfect compliment for the content of his songs. I don’t doubt comparisons to Connor Oberst have already been made, however, it doesn’t appear to be an attempt at imitation or a vocalic gimmick to try to stand out. It truly fits.

He was accompanied at times on stage by Jonathan Griffin on violin, Will Raines on accordion, and an upright bass player (whose name I failed to catch) that appeared to be new to the quartet (and his instrument) though he blended in well for the most part.

The highlights of the set were “Raise Your Glass” from Come On, Hold On (2010 release you can stream to the right), a foot stomping Irish benediction that showcased the talents of Griffin and Raines, and “Saving Grace (How You Doin’)”, which displayed the best of Trickey’s lyrics and songwriting to close the set.

Below you can stream A-side track “Open the Sky” from Trickey’s new 7″ out on the new Atlanta label Pygmy Records.

Ben Trickey – “Open the Sky”