[REVIEW] The Lonesome Trio w/ Haas Kowert Tice| 3rd & Lindsley | 06.07.2015

The Lonesome Trio
w/ Haas Kowert Tice
3rd & Lindsley; Nashville, TN
June 7, 2015

Review by Jeff Moody.

We’d already done a preview or two for The Lonesome Trio at 3rd & Lindsley but didn’t confirm attending the show until late Sunday.  As such, I may have had a beer or two more earlier in the day than would be considered prudent.  I’d also seen Haas Kowert Tice recently so was half tempted skip their opening set to extend my nap (but did not).  Keep reading after the break to hear more.

I arrived at 3rd & Lindsley a little later than usual; however, was still able to snag a good parking spot in the free lot.  Once inside, I found they had taken out all of the stools on the stage side of the bar but grabbed a spot there anyway.  I was tempted to order something non-alcoholic but opted for a Goose Island IPA for the special price of $3.  About this time, Haas Kowert Tice kicked off their set with a mix of songs including one written by Paul Kowert, another by Brittany Haas, and then “Grandpa’s Cheesebarn” and  “Monkey Trouble” from Jordan Tice.  Haas announced that this was their first ever “Nashville” show; however, acknowledged recently playing in Franklin, before performing John Hartford’s “Skippin’ in the Mississippi Dew”.  All three are excellent musicians which the audience really seemed to appreciate.

After their thoroughly enjoyable set, I walked towards the back and was surprised to see so many folks who either just arrived or had just decided not to wade all the way in towards the stage.  At that point, I decided to get back to my spot at the bar before I lost it.  By the time The Lonesome Trio took the stage, the place was nearly full.

I caught Ed Helms’ Bluegrass Situation set at One (Cannery Row) during the Americana Festival a couple years ago but don’t recall if he was with his friends of 20 years, The Lonesome Trio.  As reported earlier, Helms, Ian Riggs, and Jacob Tilove met in college and Sunday’s show is part of a short tour prior to the release of their debut album.   They will also be peforming at Bonnaroo this weekend.  They kicked of their set with  “Appalachia Apologia” and “Asheville City Skyline”.    While Helms may be the most recognizable member of the trio from his role in The Office TV show and Hangover movie series, this is a legit band of seriously good musicians who have been playing music they love for a while.  I didn’t catch every song title but assume most, if not all, were from the new album including “River in the Gutter”, “Mr. Fortune”, “Kerhonkson Blues” (which featured Ed on harmonica) and “All Gone to Hell”.   I snuck out when the radio broadcast ended at 10 pm so, if they came back and played for another few hours, I missed it.  Regardless, it was a fun,  light-hearted show and I am sure they will gain quite a few more fans down on the Farm this weekend.