My Time With The Junior League

Amidst the throng of bands fighting for recognition and success in the district, the Junior League Band has made a name for themselves by playing a unique mix of bluegrass and indie-pop. Led by the singer and banjo player, Lissy Rosemont, they have built a house in DC and a home in the tender hearts of their fans.

The Junior League Band was formed from a DC-based community of acoustic musicians and from the remains of another DC band the Rosemont Family Reunion. They have a close and fun relationship with each other that translates into their music and performance.

The night began with the local band O’ Tasty, an Irish roots band that has definitely put themselves on my radar. As a long time Pogues fan, I was delighted to hear another band carrying the Irish folk torch with taste and tradition. O’ Tasty was formed from the same circle of musicians as the Junior League Band and it makes me happy to see a community come together in support of each other’s music.

Hoots and Hellmouth, a band from Philadelphia, was the second to play and they brought a fresh and exciting take on traditional music. They came with no drummer and instead with homemade wooden risers with tambourines attached. When they started, it was clear there was no drummer needed. They stomped their rhythms with their feet and inspired the most dancing at the Black Cat I have seen in a while. Definitely a band to check out.

The Junior League Band started their set strongly with “Charm”–the opening track from their first album. Immediately, I was captured by Lissy’s voice. Her voice has great tone like Jenny Lewis’ and is strong even when whisper soft.

Following the traditional instrumental “Blackberry Blossom”, they transitioned into the easy going blues tinged and lyrically playful “Safer Grey” that questions “old man, old man why do you drink yourself away” and retorts with “it waters down the darkness and keeps things a safer grey.” This song carries the elusive vibe of heart and humor that is so often lost in current music.

The next highlight of the show came with the driving beat of “Brother”. At their best they mix their country swagger with a city swing. The violinist, Saddie, showcases a very competent knowledge of the fiddle and brings a soloist flare that most bands would die to have.
On “Someday” they loosen up and Martin really shines with his harmonica as Lissy belts a chilling, bluesy wail, which confirms that she may be one of the best up and coming vocalists in the area.

Elias and William hold down the rhythm solidly and drive their songs. Elias’ solos get the most out of each note and certainty speaks to his blues and rock influences. Will’s drumming was powerful and he played perfectly with the rest of the band. His cleverly subtle arrangements are key to each song’s movement and charm.
The show closed with an encore that still left the crowd wanting more. They were joined with the singer from Hoots and Hellmouth and a crowd of musicians who wowed everyone with their rendition of the Muddy Waters classic “How Long”.

As a whole, the show was moving and very entertaining. Each band played from the heart. With the Junior League Band you can tell that they truly love creating a new spin on a cherished craft handed down from generation to generation.