Brandi Carlile is one of those alt-country songstresses whose music doesn't smack of the coy vulnerability found in other musicians of her ilk. Instead, she persuasively delivers the musical missives of an old soul battered by a harsh world, yet determined to weather the storm. With an incredibly fluid vocality that rolls between a soft coo and a lamenting howl reminiscent of Roy Orbison, Carlile's voice might best be described in car jargon as highly responsive.
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Her songs are built on a foundation of strummy acoustic jangling backed by sometimes thundering percussion. The band features the guitar and bass combination of siblings Tim and Phil Hanseroth filled out with piano as well as cello. Check out a live version the band does of Radiohead's “Creep.” It's fucking special.
Brandi Carlile plays the House of Blues Anaheim, 1530 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, Friday March 12. Tickets are $31 at the door. All ages.
