Multi-instrumentalist Elin Palmer, to celebrate the release of her first solo CD Postcard, performed a live Saturday, October 17, at the Hi-Dive in Denver. A prolific local musician who has recorded and traveled as a background violinist with artists such as The Fray, DeVotchKa and M.Ward, Palmer is branching out with her own blend of indie music infused with traditional folk music from her Swedish roots.
The show opened at 10:00 PM with another local artist, Andrea Ball, whose 30-minute set began on a weak footing but gained momentum toward the end. Norwegian Sissy Wish (the only non-local act present) followed with a set of Euro-techno music that trended the other direction, beginning strong and losing traction.
Elin Palmer took the stage with her band around midnight, playing a nyckelharpa (a rare Swedish folk stringed instrument), and switching to accordian and guitar as the evening progressed. Accompanied by varying arrangements that included bass, cello, violin, keyboard and drums, her skill and range as a musician was obvious. Every song contained unique musical textures, creative arrangements, and smooth harmonies. She even sang a song in Swedish, and closed the show with a quirky cover of Buddy Holley's "Everyday."
The evening did have some problems however. There was a half-hour delay between the two opening acts due to Sissy Wish arriving late--which she blamed on the "damn GPS". Also, Palmer's cello had been damaged earlier in the day, so she was unable to play it--which might explain why the headliner's set ran short, only about 30 minutes. Beyond that, while the music was enjoyable, Palmer seemed a bit uncomfortable and distracted at times--perhaps a result of the mishaps of the evening, or possibly that she is still finding her feet as a solo artist.
Even so, Elin Palmer is an artist worth watching, and her record is worth a listen--if for no other reason due to its unique blend of styles and sounds. If she can fill the shoes of a solo artist, she has both the talent and potential to go far.
(View the entire list of 2009 Ones to Watch.)
Related article: Denver music weekend picks October 16-17
For more music info, check out my blog, The Oomph.
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