Show Recap: The Honeycutters at Rockwood Music Hall NYC

Courtesy Jojo Bisco

The Honeycutters brought their Appalachian Americana-honky-tonk to the Big Apple on Thursday night for a show at Rockwood Music Hall. With the usual tables and chairs cleared away, the crowd of about one hundred people were attentive and, dare I say, captivated by the music. Amanda Anne Platt’s vocals convey everything that they do (and more) when one listens to a Honeycutters’ record: sometimes happy, sometimes weary, often wise, insightful and always thoughtful. 

They kicked off their set with “Jukebox” and continued for almost an hour with many of the songs from their stellar recent release Me Oh My. Alternating tempo, but always remaining on point, songs included “Texas '81,” “Carolina,” “Edge of the Frame,” and “Me Oh My” as well as a new tune, “Barmaid’s Blues.” Platt, who originally is from right outside NYC, even brought her father on stage to accompany them on harmonica for “Ain’t It The Truth.” While Platt is undoubtedly the focus, The Honeycutters are a group of five--and there certainly aren’t enough complimentary adjectives to describe the insanely talented members of the band. Matt Smith sets the mood on dobro while Josh Milligan [drums] and Rick Cooper [bass] keep the rhythm. Tal Taylor, who plays mandolin is perfection, injecting that distinctive sound into every song and sometimes stealing the show.

For a glimpse of them live, watch here, but then get thyself to a show for an evening of music that's exactly what one's soul requires.

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