There were a couple killer shows this week beginning Wednesday, Feb. 17 Two of Austin, Texas’ finest songwriters Sam Baker and Gurf Morlix warmed up a sold out Geomatic Attic, Feb. 17 during their “Alberrrrrrrrrrrrrrta” tour which includes several Alberta dates.
They played  a couple of long sets of darker themed country and folk songs from 8 p.m. until well past 11 p.m., which were interspersed with a lot of jokes to take a edge off of all the ‘hanging’ songs. I caught the last set of the show, which included lots of laughter and  superb songwriting. The duo traded songs, adding guitar and harp to each others’ songs where they were needed.
Baker’s harp playing was especially tender, mournful and soulful.

Morlix played a couple of  songs by “giant, drunken, hippie cowboy,” Blaze Foley which were especially meaningful as Foley was one of Morlix’s closest friends.
Their engaging stage presence and affable personalities made the show seem like it was taking place in the listener’s own living rooms.
 Baker  had a couple  emotional moments and stories, ending with ‘Broken Fingers’ and a frightening story about losing the top of his hand in an explosion in Peru and an explanation of how he had to learn how to play guitar left handed.
This was a show I was looking forward to for a while so I am looking forward to seeing them return.

— By Richard Amery, L.A. Beat Editor

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