Live Shows: Willie Watson and Viv & Riley, The Sinclair, Cambridge, MA 12/10/24

Willie Watson, Photo by Ken Sears

Old Crow Medicine Show are one of the giants of modern folk music. Earlier this year, Willie Watson released an excellent solo album that sucked me straight into fandom for the modern traditionalist. When it was announced that Watson was touring behind that album, I couldn't resist checking out his show at The Sinclair. It wasn't until just before the show that I found out Viv & Riley, one of my favorite folk duos, was opening the show, which just sweetened the deal.

Willie Watson, Photo by Ken Sears

Playing as a trio with a standup bass player and a fiddler, Willie Watson took the stage in front of an adoring crowd. Throughout the set, Watson had to battle a loud HVAC unit (New England in the winter...), but I don't think it bothered the crowd as much as he was concerned it did. Playing in support of September's self-titled album, Watson chose to play more traditional covers instead of the usual playing the new album that most artists do. Sure, over half of Willie Watson was played Tuesday night, but traditional songs like "John Henry" and "Gallows Pole" were also played. He also went with some newer covers, such as Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's "Helpless" and Robyn's "Dancing On My Own."

Willie Watson has been playing music professionally in Old Crow Medicine Show for over twenty-five years, so it shouldn't be surprising just how great he is on a stage. Still, it was surprising just how great and captivating of a performer that he is. He has his own unique style that isn't a typical polished frontman, but that's the charm of seeing Willie Watson perform live. Those that braved the cold and rain on Tuesday night were well rewarded.

Viv & Riley, Photo by Ken Sears

Viv & Riley opened the show, which delighted me. I'm not sure how much of the crowd was familiar with them before Tuesday evening, but they quickly won over the rest of the audience with their engaging and charming folk songs. It's always amazing how different an audience can be between venues like The Sinclair and Club Passim (where I saw them last year), but the duo adapted quite well. The pair play off each other, and even a song like "Is It All Over," which Riley Calcagno commented that people "hated," was very well received.