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.
This article appears in Oct 26 – Nov 1, 2011.