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I have been a fan of Iris DeMent since her debut album "Infamous Angel" came out in 1992. Her lyrics, her melodies, her voice all blend to produce a spiritual vibration that resonates deep within my soul. Few other artists have sung their truth so purely as Iris DeMent.
My friends and I were very disappointed in this concert. The female singer who opened for Iris (who was not included in the concert notice, and who stayed on stage far too long) was melancholy and monotonic. She did nothing to set a proper tone for Iris. The sound system and mix were poor, so Iris' singing frequently was overridden by her backup musicians, none of whom were very good. The steel guitar was much too lound and the drummer was monotonic. The best and only really good part of the evening occurred when the backups shut up and Iris played and sang by herself.
I love watching Iris Dement live. She writes great songs. Always something new!
I passed up an opportunity to see the Wizards game 6 of the second round playoffs to see Iris Dement at Birchmere in Alexandria. It was a bad decision. Dement is an excellent solo performer, but due to the acoustics at Birchmere, we were unable to understand most of the lyrics, particularly when she performed at the piano (where she did most of the songs). For her playlist she chose mostly songs with which I was unfamiliar, even though I have 3 of her albums. Apparently several of the tunes were from a new album due out later this summer. She forgot the lyrics to one of her songs. But Dement is a personable and engaging performer who talks to the audience between songs. For the price (about 40 bucks), it was not worth it. The food at Birchmere is fine, and the service is great. Overall, a disappointing evening. There is general admission at Birchmere, first come, choose your seat. This was not a sold out event, perhaps 2/3 full at best.
Iris and Pieta were both talented and nice entertainers..it was a laid back concert but enjoyable
Iris Dement''s distinctive voice and soulful presentation made for a wonderful evening inside during a rainy, messy Friday night. Her commentary between songs alone enhanced the both the songs and lyrics. Having Pieta Brown was another delightful bonus. Iris came out after the performance to meet fans. She proved just as warm and interesting as she was on stage. Wonderful performance and, hopefully, she will return again soon.
I just saw Iris Dement last night at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA and I was very moved by her performance, her personal, touching songwriting, her humility and her courage in stating her beliefs (or non-beliefs). To paraphrase she told us "I'm sick and tired of the rich getting richer in this country while poor keep getting poorer." She kinda looks like a middle-age school librarian now whom you might look right past in the grocery store without a thought. But when she opens her mouth and out come these beautiful songs in a bold quirky voice that is unmistakably and uniquely hers you certainly sit up and take notice. Like Dylan, not everyone is given the gift of appreciating her voice (like my wife) but I just love it to death. Last night she paid tribute to Jesse Winchester and sang one of his songs which was also great and credited him with being a songwriting talent that she puts on a pedestal. Some of Iris's songs bring tears to my eyes while others make me laugh out loud. Very few performers can evince that powerful a reaction in me. So I vote for her to be officially named as a national treasure.
I can speak to the depth and range of emotion she reveals in a natural way , the personal connection to her lyrics, and her straightforward, humble, charming and disarming interplay with the audience. Above all, disappointment and challenging times of her own have not demolished her sweetness, belief in an afterlife, and faith in both herself and others. I would feel honored to have her as a close friend! My sole disappointment was that she did not sing Hotter Than Mojave!
I am a big fan of Iris Dement have all of her albums and been to see her perform a couple of times prior to her appearance at the Birchmere. The Birchmere show was the best. We were reasonably close to the stage and the acoustics were great. The food at the Birchmere is good and the service staff very friendly and efficient.
Iris Dement really seemed off her game at this concert. She was clearly in a downer in her commentaries to the audience. That would have been ok, but she mumbled most of her words, especially to her own songs (not so much with those written by others), so you could barely understand her. Her piano playing was great but that didn't make up for the mumbles...and she never seemed to connect with the audience--or the audience with her. A big disappointment.
Iris is a hoot. Her vocals are an acquired taste. Vocal tone is like domeone who came out of oldtime Appalachia. She can really belt out a tine. I'm a fan from her Praire Home Companion appearances and liked. My wife liked the mucic and artist commentary, but not so much the vocal tone. She played one set, about 1-3/4 hours with encore. Great piano playing - sort of bluesy-honkytonk. A lot if music from a trio. Her sympathy for labor issues reminds one of protest folksingers from the 60s. Majority of material was her original work.
Iris Dement has proved time and time again to be a great recording artist and an even better live performer. This being the second time that I've had the privilege of seeing her didn't dull a single moment of the concert. She played tons of stuff from her newest album "Sing The Delta", and lots of old standards as well. Very few artists nowadays will play an hour and a half set with two encores. Iris is simply an amazing artist and I will recommend her again and again to anyone who cares about real, honest singer/songwriter style music; and I will buy tickets to see her whenever I have the opportunity!
A great concert. This was the first time I have seen Iris play with a backup band and concert was exceptional.....The other folks on the stage seem to make Iris more comfortable.....in her past concerts she was always very shy. Let me add , the backup band were exceptional, like Iris. This is the third concert I have attended, and Iris stayed to sign CDs. A great evening. Thanks..... I also enjoyed Jasen Wilbur...he played as backup and very talented. I was pleasantly surprised by how great his CD is!!!!! Thanks.
Backed by a larger band than I usually seen with her, Iris was really able to let the songs take front and center. She performed many old favorites and the cream of the crop from "Sing the Delta". She even performed one song for the (unfortunately) lesser known "Lifeline". She remains a charmingly modest and self-deprecating performer. It was a great show at a good venue.
played a long set - all her own songs - it was great
Dement's latest album is one solid song after another. She did not disappoint. Backed up by a tight band, Dement was better than ever!
Still my very favorite singer. Unfortunately, we like her better acoustic -- without band. Band was good, but even though we weren't far away, we couldn't hear her that well. Hope she's without band this summer at Kate Wolf festival and hope she sings at least one with Greg Brown.
I have wanted to see Iris forever but I was disappointed by her selection of songs and even though I have all of her cds, I only recognized about a half dozen that she played. Plus, Jason Wilber is terrible as an opening act and should stick to playing back up. He's bored with Iris though!!
Saw Iris last year as a solo act, and although a great night, she clearly had more energy and enthusiasm on this night. Acoustics were great at the Sinclair. Iris's voice was strong and she did a good mix of old and new. Jason Wilbur and the rest of her band did a nice job. Loved the show!
She was musically wonderful and personally charming.
