The Parlour Suite - Photo by Jon Behm

Parlour is a fairly recent addition to a local scene currently steeped in folk talent. Their melodies feature a relatively simple guitar and piano arrangement, as well as the vocal harmonies of Joel and Inga Roberts plus Leah Nelson. They noticeably lack a drummer, but like the blues greats of old, they don’t necessarily need one.    

The band’s real strength is their vocal talent – Joel’s voice sounds reminiscent of the peerless Townes Van Zandt – in fact “Song of the Sailors” reminds me a lot of Van Zandt’s version of “Dead Flowers.” Inga and Leah can also both sing to beat the band – they harmonize well and give the music a sweetness and almost gospel sound that compliments Joel’s baritone blues. They have a style similar to the Allison Krauss’s or Emmylou Harris’s of the world. “European Vacation,” is an excellent example of the ladies’ vocal abilities. 

I think that Nelson’s voice is particularly good, but on Friday she seemed determined to not really let loose and show what she is capable of. The whole band, in fact, seemed a little reserved. Having heard their recordings – I know that The Parlour Suite can and do sound really terrific.  I think that they need to spend more time on stage and get more comfortable there – they seemed pretty nervous and a little stiff. If they relaxed a little bit and had more fun with the music, I think it would go a long way.

The Parlour Suite - Photo by Behm

A perfect song to rock out a little bit to could be “Navy Queen” with its boogie woogie piano and catchy hooks. Now that is a song that makes me feel like dancing. If they had a little more fun with it, it could make for make for a hell of a good time.   The band has all the tools – the voices, the tunes, the looks. If they just relax and really show off their talents, I think that they could really be a terrific live act.

 

That being said, I am looking forward to hearing The Parlour Suite’s studio album, whenever they release one. They may need a bit more stage experience, but I’m looking forward to seeing how they develop over time.

 

Related links:

• The Parlour Suite’s Myspace.
• Jon Behm's photo set from this show.