Next up was Portland’s sweet and confident folk-chick, Laura Gibson. Accompanied mostly by her acoustic guitar, Laura sings stark, ghostly folk with wisps of optimism sewn in for good measure. She’s already flaunting a large, lived-in growl flavored by antediluvian blues and jazz inflections along with a vintage style that resonated well with the doe-eyed audience.
Veering away from the more ambient Bridge Carols album she did with Ethan Rose, Laura focused mostly on new material and 2009′s Beasts of Seasons. She also played a song that her nephew used in a short film that was entered into a children’s film festival (which won an award if I remember correctly). Apparently it was a decision between her song and a Katy Perry song. I think we know what the best choice was without even seeing the film itself. But this was the kind of cute stage banter that accompanied Laura’s set. Which made her already adorable performance that much more special.
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Laura Gibson – Come By Storm from Beasts of Seasons (2009)
Finally the man himself graced the stage sporting an impressive North Western styled beard. I’m actually surprised he hasn’t grown one in the past considering his music sounds very mountainous and rugged, but I digress. As stated on the Bottom of the Hill website, Rocky somewhat played all of 2006′s Makers. While not all the way through or even in order if I recall correctly, the album was definitely the highlight of the evening with the audience singing right along to every word. Songs from The Brag & Cuss and last year’s True Devotion were few and far between but no one really seemed to mind. There was however plenty of shout-outs for songs from 2003′s Suicide Medicine. MONTANA! and SUICIDE MEDICINE! and WHATEVER YOU FEEL LIKE! were common heckles from a surprisingly vocal crowd.
In the end, they got their wish. Many of the requested songs were played with the usual charm and humble attitude Rocky is known for. All with his harmonica strapped to his skull and a beat-up guitar slung around his shoulder. No backing band, nothing more than himself and his two trusty instruments. This is pretty much how I remember Rocky and how I’ve identified with his music. However now, he seems content and happy yet still on his own. After all these years, I still find myself being able to relate to that aesthetic.
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Rocky Votolato – Portland is Leaving from Makers (2006)
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Rocky Votolato – Red River from True Devotion (2010)