Rootsy Small Glories – more than one string to their bow
Hailing all the way from Winnipeg in Manitoba, Canada, The Small Glories come to Monroe’s Live on Sunday, June 10. The band are duo Cara Luft and JD Edwards, who share vocals and play their tunes on banjo and guitar
Their 2016 debut, Wondrous Traveller, is steeped in Americana, roots and folk. It opens with the rollicking Had I Paid where Edwards’ rock-edged voice harmonises with Luft’s folk tones. Holding On is a slower tune that Cara Luft takes the lead on and this diversity shows that the duo have several strings to their bow. Punters at their show can expect to hear toe-tapping tunes alongside more downbeat and melodic songs.
Home is another gentle tune that bring the work of Alison Krauss to mind, while 1,000 Stars opens with some delicate piano-playing before Luft and Edwards harmonise to winning effect. Some drums kick in and the song sounds like an unplugged Arcade Fire. It’s a tune that shows the duo are open to whatever influences come their way.
Ultimately, this is music for people who enjoy honest-to-goodness acoustic roots music.
The Small Glories are embarking on an Irish tour of intimate venues in Cork, Kilkenny, Roscrea and Wexford as well as Galway. Their gig here will be a chance to see performers who revel in their craft and it could be an early summer gem. Doors 8pm, tickets €15.