Photo: Courtesy Terrorbird Media
The once five-piece band turned duo Brown Bird hasn’t
exactly stumbled upon anything new, but it certainly feels fresh. The
Rhode Island-based band, which is now made up of only Morganeve Swain
and David Lamb, still re-creates the full sound often only achieved by a
band of their former size. While Swain alternates between fiddle and
newly learned cello and upright bass, Lamb keeps the beat with a
tambourine and wood block connected to foot peddles and a wood-rimmed
bass drum, all while playing guitar and sometimes banjo.
Their sound is
filled out with their voices, particularly Swain’s often haunting
harmonies.
Don’t let the banjo fool you — this is neither Bluegrass nor your mama’s Folk.
Brown Bird plays 20th Century Theater Thursday with The Devil Makes Three. Go here to read Deirdre Kaye's full Sound Advice.

The Devil Makes Three with Brown Bird