Friday the 13th and Jessica Lea Mayfield

On this Friday the 13th the weather may have been bad but the music was all good. Mark and I had the pleasure of seeing three unique and entertaining bands at Off Broadway. The highlight of the show was of course Jessica Lea Mayfield. Opening up for Jessica was Blood Pony followed by Nathaniel Rateliff.

Blood Pony (below), this local St. Louis band has lots of members and handclapping/foot stomping fans. Their music may start out a little slow [yawn] but eventually builds layer upon layer into an enthusiastic crescendo [yes!]. A band I liked and appreciated a bit more than Mark.

Nathaniel Rateliff (below), Denver, CO, an interesting and slightly rumpled musician. I love his voice and the way he belts out songs with it. Standing near the front of the stage I didn’t notice the loud talking the night of the show…until I listened to this video. The video really picked up the noisy crowd. Gross as it was when it happened it could explain why in the middle of his song Nathaniel shot a loogie clear across the stage floor. ha! That’ll teach a rude crowd. Eww ick and yuck Nathaniel (but I love your voice so I forgive you).

Whimper and Wail (loogie and all)

Jessica Lea Mayfield (below), a 21-year-old singer-songwriter, from Kent, OH known for writing dark and sad songs with a plaintive minimalist style that draws on both country and rock music (Wikipedia, and I couldn't agree more). I can’t say enough about this young woman. She has a gentle shy way and a sweet sounding sometimes haunting voice, a truly mesmerizing and talented performer. Like Mark says…she’s going places (or words to that effect).

This video includes three partial songs by Jessica.

Nathaniel Rateliff

Nathaniel and Mark

Jessica Lea Mayfield





Guitarist Richie Kirkpatrick

For another great song and a video better than mine:

Jessica Lea Mayfield - Sometimes at Night