I love roots music. It makes everything homey and folksy. It is the perfect accompaniment to looking at family photo albums because it makes everything you look at a memory from Disney World’s Frontierland, regardless if it actually is or not. Inherently nostalgic and ootsy tootsy, it’s quintessential Americana, way more so than anything Jerry Garcia was associated with. Probably because roots music transcends time and space, I usually want a completely outdated beverage to go along with my roots music. Like sassparilla.

The Black River Kings are pure Tom Sawyer, through and through. They mix up their schtick with some really nice, wistful tunes and a healthy dose of foot-stomping licks. What a fun live show this is gonna be. I’ve gone on the record before, but any band with a mandolin and a lap steel is usually an excellent live show. The instruments just sound better live. If any of y’all have ever checked out a Slo Mo show, then you know. The BRK sound is steeped in some very fine classic American rock—I heard a little Aerosmith, some TP and the Heartbreakers (especially on “Highway Rider,” the lead dude is a dead ringer for Tom Petty), and even some Fleet Foxes. It’s the harmonizing, the guitar, friendly mandolin, and just the overall sound. Like they chew on pieces of hay while they’re recording.

This is really cool history-teacher-wearing-sweater vests music. It’s retro, but it’s chic. Funky. Dare I say, brassy. Davy Crockett is gonna pop out of the music player and start whizzbanging with a toy pistol. I heard a saltshaker at the beginning of one song. And of course, the obligatory but still awesome banjo!

Saturday, July 24, 2010, 9:00 p.m.
Black River Kings
World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut St, Philadelphia PA, 19104
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