Many of my friends have accounts of their festival experiences with me and there always seems to be a standout group that just blows them away.  Shovels & Rope was that band for me…hands down.  But, you can’t really call them a band since there are only two of them, even though they sure sound like one.  This male/female duo creates a sound that makes you think there was at least one more musician on-stage somewhere…I looked, there were none in sight.  This husband and wife team began as solo artists performing together on an album in 2008 titled Shovels & Rope, four years later they began touring festivals and have exploded in their popularity.

Michael began the set playing a guitar with a harmonica around his neck (when a Guitarist can incorporate that WHILE playing it’s highly impressive) and vocal chords supremely in check.  His wife, Cary Ann, sat on a Drummer’s throne in front of a Bass Drum and Snare…no Toms, and only one cymbal (that was used by both of them), and she didn’t forget her angelic larynx along.   There were a myriad of other percussion instruments as well as a keyboard.  Basically, there’s no question these guys are professional musicians.

Their folk-rock sound incorporates many different styles throughout the show, as they played their multitude of different instruments.  The ease and professionalism with which they performed made it appear as though they have reached a master skill level on each one.   Halfway through the set the two master performers switched places!  I’ve never seen a musical duo switch places during a show and have it work!  These guys truly spanned the styles of Rock and Folk, covering the entire spectrum on stage, all while making it a very fun show to watch.  This duo has mastered their skill and are a must watch!

Big Jon