Review: Amos Lee + Julia Pratt at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
The word “pure” is one that should be used sparingly when discussing art — and is fortunately a term that rarely comes to mind these days.
But it was the description that kept popping in my head during Amos Lee’s May 14 show at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, and also throughout the opening set by fellow Philadelphia-based singer/songwriter Julia Pratt.
Making her North Carolina debut, and returning to the mountains she called home for a few years as a teenager before her parents’ marriage fell apart (and inspired her lovely song “Carolina”), Pratt captivated the surprisingly populous group of early attendees with tracks off her freshly-released debut EP, Family Feud, which chronicles that domestic dissolution.
Shifting between guitar and keyboard, Pratt’s instrumental prowess cut through her admitted nervousness of sharing some these confessional tunes for the second or third time ever. And her phenomenal vocal range rightfully earned kudos during her handful of soaring choruses, giving the sense that we’d experienced one of those special occasions of witnessing a superstar early in her career. In a few years, “I got to see Julia Pratt at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium” feels destined to elicit oohs and ahs from fans who have to pay big bucks to see her in much larger spaces.
Back at TWA for the first time since 2016, Lee cracked wise about the aging venue’s HVAC issues, much to the adoring crowd’s delight. His fanbase is more mature than most; one that appreciates a good seated show and conveys appreciation through plenty of ways that don’t involve standing — but is also considerate enough to move to the auditorium’s fringes when the spirit moves them to cut an impromptu rug.
Though Lee lovingly joked a few times about the lack of people up on their feet for some of his more rousing numbers, the “disappointment” in no way hampered his on-stage dedication, nor that of his insanely talented five-piece backing band. Likewise in awe of the sounds being produced around him, the frontman complimented his colleagues multiple times, and the players merited that attention throughout the night — particularly bassist Solomon Dorsey, who showcased his vocals on a soulful duet with Lee.
The band’s palpable joy of performing music together was mirrored by the headliner, who brought an honest enthusiasm to each selection. Whether playfully mixing in a reference to nearby Swannanoa in “Southern Girl” or prompting concertgoers to reach for a tissue during “Carry You On” — a song about a departed friend that he’ll play again in a few weeks at the friend’s twin sister’s wedding in Virginia — Lee was locked in and in full control of his powers.
Throughout his set of upbeat Americana, Lee radiated authenticity through his lyrics, demeanor, and bandmate interactions, leaving zero doubt that he was truly happy to be back in town and playing for yet another receptive gathering. If that doesn’t warrant the use of “pure,” i don’t know what does.
(Photos by Bryce LaFoon)
Julia Pratt
