Creepy polkas, country, Americana – what more could a person want in a night of music in a gorgeous setting? Vicky Emerson nailed them all on Saturday night at the Aster Café. Accompanying her was an upright bass, guitarist, percussionist and sometimes backup vocals.
Her music reminds me of the Cowboy Junkies; her voice is very controlled and the music dances around it. On Runaway Train her voice is throaty which lends a warmth to the gentle song. Contrast that with Silhouette, where her voice is sweeter, higher and the music has almost Irish brogue to it. Not her voice, but there’s a lilt in the music. Silhouette also has some of the best use of cymbals I’ve heard in a while.
Long Gone was introduced as a creepy polka – well when played on the piano. But played with guitars, and upright bass and percussion – not creepy at all. I was almost disappointed – except that I enjoyed the song. Maybe there will be a creepy polka night and I can hear in on piano.
The show ended with the most danceable song – Under my Skin. It’s s toe-tapper that is almost immediately familiar. It has just the right ingredients to be a song to propel Emerson to the next level!
Mostly Minnesota 