Joseph Arthur Rocks Then Trashes Jammin' Java

Arthur stuck mostly to songs off the new album, but he occasionally visited his back catalog to put the full-band spin on songs he previously had performed live with just an acoustic guitar. Sometimes the results were great – like the extended jam following “Devil’s Broom” off 2004’s Our Shadows Will Remain – and sometimes they felt a little over thought. “September Baby” off 2002’s Redemption’s Son went from a lush, moody reflection on loss to an emotionally charged rocker, losing the beautiful subtlety of the recording. But there’s always the argument that if you want the band to sound like the album, you should just sit at home and listen to the CD -- saving yourself $15. And if you decided to sit at home, you missed the band’s entertaining onstage antics.

It’s difficult to describe Joseph Arthur’s backing band. Besides the onstage painter, there was bass player Sibyl Buck, who looked like she belonged in a Robert Palmer video, dancing suggestively during every song; Kraig Jarret Johnson of Golden Smog playing multiple instruments; a bewigged Jennifer Turner on guitar; and two percussionists. They managed to keep the proceedings lively, playing off Arthur’s mannerisms like they’ve been touring for years.

And you could tell Arthur was having fun. During the song “Electrical Storm,” Arthur proceeded to turn a leaf blower on rolls of toilet paper, blowing it all over the audience and the stage lighting. We were sure the paper would catch fire because an unfortunate accident in high school drama taught us that those lights get extremely hot. Thankfully, there were no unscheduled, Great White-esque pyrotechnics. Although, just because it’s such a great transition, Arthur practically burned the place down by following the song with a smoking Mick Jagger impression during a cover of the Stones’ “Miss You.”

The encore was more of an extended second set, with Arthur playing several acoustic numbers, including a great rendition of “Speed of Light” off 2000’s “Come to Where I’m From.” Arthur crooning the line “Good night, New Orleans/ Things are exactly as they seem” almost took on a different meaning from when the song was originally recorded.

Hopefully, we’ll get to see Arthur in the future in a venue more conveniently located in the city, but the space at Jammin’ Java was suitable. Until the next show, we suggest picking up a copy of Nuclear Daydream and listening to it at maximum volume.

Photos by Matt Sedlar