Photo of Jesse Welles live at The Pageant by Laura Jerele
Astroturf and songs about anti-fascism: Jesse Welles is like a modern-day Woody Guthrie armed with only his guitar and lyrics. He is definitely steadfast in his viewpoints, but he is definitely not in your face or abrasive in any way. Welles came out and started the show, shirtless and ready to sing and play with only his harmonica and his guitar. Sure, his audience is definitely exploding as of late, thanks to social media, but he’s worth the hype and he’s really not new to the music scene. This show sold out early and there’s no doubt people wanted to see him in a venue this size as I’m sure the next time he comes to town, he’ll be at a bigger one.
The show was both simple and fantastic with Welles as entertaining as he is important. We need voices like his speaking out and singling about what is happening in America! I love seeing the audience so engaged with all of his lyrics, and at many moments in the show singing right along quite loudly! I’m sure there were people in the crowd that were there because he has become a bit of a social media darling as of late, but that did not take away from his serious fan base that hung on his every word. His stage set up looked a lot like some of those aforementioned videos, with him being outside, armed with nothing but a guitar and his voice, massive powerline stanchion behind him and standing on astroturf, he brought his vibe. This is folk that fucking rocks!
His set was a blend of performing solo and also songs where he was joined with his full band. Welles’ original songs inject humor as well as importance, tackling very tough social issues of today’s political landscape like “Join Ice” and yes, even a cover of Black Sabbath’s brilliant “War Pigs.” His voice is a bit soothing as it is gravelly and he honestly doesn’t sound like any other artist right now. His original songs tackle everything from oligarchs to the state of America right now, from Walmart and war (almost daring people to lean in and learn while tapping their toes) all the way to very cool covers of Creedence Clearwater Revival and Nirvana, to name a few.
Jesse Welles put on a damn fine show. Never underestimate the power of a single voice and a guitar, and the bravery to speak up and speak out.
A solid choice to open this show was Ratboys, and I remember saying in my review for their last stop here in March that I hoped they would come back sooner, rather than later! And that they did! Fitting in nicely with the folk-meets-the-political-moment vibe, Ratboys are a fun, four-piece out of Chicago with bright and catchy songs, but they’re also full of folky complexities (think Rilo Kiley and Built to Spill vibes). You can tell they have fun doing what they’re doing, embracing their youth and nineties-like ease. Standout songs of theirs for me are their set opener “Anywhere” and “Go Outside,” they were a really great choice for this opening slot. | Laura Jerele
