Los Angeles – On Tuesday evening, singer-songwriter Max Jury brought his soulful sounds to a full house at The Satellite in Silver Lake. Opening for Brooklyn-based folk-rock band Streets of Laredo, this young musician from Iowa and his two band mates filled the room with earnest lyricism, tight instrumental chemistry and sweet vocal harmonies. Blurring the lines between blue-eyed soul and classic country folk, the band played songs off Jury’s two EPs, Something in the Air and All I Want: The Sonic Factory Sessions.
Though the band did not have a particularly long set, the threesome packed quite a bit of variety into their seven songs. Naturally, Jury took center stage and was seated behind his keyboard, belting out pitch-perfect lead vocals. With the way he was able to hit notes all over the scale, it is no surprise to learn that he had put in a few years attending Berklee College of Music. He was joined on stage by Stacy Harden on bass and Nolan Bryan on guitar and the three musicians worked together effectively, giving each song a full sound.
After getting things started with the title track from his most recent EP, the band kicked into what is probably Jury’s most instantly memorable song. While “Black Metal” may have the same sonic qualities and dynamics of any of his other tracks, lyrically it stands out. Just how often do you hear a country-fried rock ‘n’ soul singer waxing nostalgic over his unrequited love for a Satanist? As one of the most notable tracks in his discography, it is no surprise that Jury chose to play “Black Metal” early in his set.
Jury spoke to Best New Bands last month. On the subject of touring, the 21-year-old said: “Playing live is probably my favorite aspect of being a musician. It’s just a great way to connect with people, and for audiences to connect with my music. So though it can be exhausting and trying, it’s the most honest way to make new fans.
Jury showed off his various country influences during the middle portion of his set, which culminated with a cover of Neil Young’s gorgeous ballad “Helpless.” The legendary Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song shares quite a few characteristics with Jury’s songs, making it a very appropriate song choice for the trio to cover. All of the elements of the original were present, from impassioned vocals and intriguing chord changes to the impressive background harmonies.
After this country-influenced excursion, Jury and his band closed out their set with the song that has caught a lot of music fans’ attention, “Christian Eyes.” This slower-paced song is a cut off his first EP, Something in the Air, and it perfectly exemplifies the sound that Jury is trying to capture. The lyric “And I’ll sing just like Graham Parsons, you’ll sing like Patsy Cline” from the chorus is a particularly apropos line, as those two famous country singers are a couple of the most famous purveyors of the musical territory Jury’s set was rooted in.
Max Jury and his band are finishing up a month-long North American tour, with just a handful of dates remaining. He will wrap up the year with a spot performing at the Transmusicales Festival in France.
Photo By Jason Babor
Matt Matasci
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