The Secret Sisters live at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA review

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As a devoted fan of The Secret Sisters, I can confidently say that their performance at the Birchmere was nothing short of magical. Their harmonies are enchanting, their songs heartfelt, and Laura’s stream-of-conscious monologues are as hilarious as they are endearing.

Laura Rogers had some advice for the sold-out house on Sunday night. “If someone has hurt you, forgive him. That’s the only way you’ll begin to get past the pain.”

“And maybe don’t sing about him every night,” her sister Lydia added.

Later on, Laura consented and proceeded to share a song titled “He’s Fine,” mentioning Davey White – the individual who had once shattered her heart many years prior. This tune served as the root of The Secret Sisters’ deepest sorrow.

For years, Laura Rogers and Lydia Slagle, my favorite duo, have been harmonizing their voices, creating music together since 2010. On a sunny day at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA, they delivered another hilarious and heartwarming performance to an audience of 400 adoring fans.

The Secret Sisters perform intimate show at the Birchmere

“Their hit song ‘He’s Fine’ hails from their third album titled ‘You Don’t Own Me Anymore‘, produced by Brandi Carlile. This album played a significant role in rejuvenating their career after they were dropped from their record label in 2015. They also performed ‘Mississippi’, the dark, narrative song from the same album, as Laura pointed out, since every great band should have a few tracks where tragic endings are common.”

The show “Secret Sisters” offers captivating tunes and enchanting harmonies, accompanied by a candid soliloquy from frontwoman Laura. This monologue delves intimately into topics such as relationships, motherhood, and the less-than-pleasant odor of her microphone. At times when Laura’s thoughts meander, her younger sister Lydia, who provides harmonies and plays the guitar, attempts to keep her focused. (A heads up – things get a bit disorganized during these rambling moments.)

Initially, they performed “Cabin,” a track from their fourth album titled Saturn Return. Unfortunately, this album was launched in February 2020, coinciding with the imminent global lockdown due to COVID-19. Laura lamented that they couldn’t tour for the album, but took solace in the fact that “Cabin” would forever be known as “the song that lost the Grammy to John Prine.” In 2021, his final single, “I Remember Everything,” won the Grammy for Best American Roots Song, which was previously held by their track.

Apart from a lively rendition of Fiona Apple’s “Heavy Balloon” for the fans, the rest of their performance focused on their recently released album titled “Mind, Man, Medicine“. This album dropped in Spring. They kicked off with the western-style rhythm of “Paperweight” and ended with the emotional acceptance expressed in “Never Walk Away”. The set included a total of eight tracks from this new album. Ranging from the unexpectedly seductive “All the Ways” to the beautiful harmonies of “Planted”, their performance showcased a variety of songs.

As a gamer, I’d like to say sorry for belting out the second verse of “All the Ways.” You know, the one where Ray LaMontagne joins in on the duet. I couldn’t help myself; his voice is just… it’s like sinking your teeth into a warm biscuit smothered in real butter. Anyway, Lydia had to interrupt me again so we could get back to singing.

As a gamer, I found myself immersed in the rhythmic landscape created by Jacob Navarro on slide guitar, Jesse Proctor on drums, and Navid Eliot on bass. Their steady, subtle support was a perfect backdrop for Laura and Lydia’s performance. The trio truly enriched the evening’s soundscape, particularly during their lively rendition of Apple’s song and the soulful, slower country blues of “Same Water.”

However, it seems the sisters truly shone during the interlude of three songs within their performance, a moment when the other musicians departed, leaving only Laura and Lydia near an antiquated radio microphone (with an odd smell). The simplicity of “I’ve Got Your Back” and the heartfelt portrayal of parenthood in “I Can Never Be Without You Anymore” were beautifully expressed through modest instrumentation and ethereal harmonies.

Jon Muq, an exceptionally talented songwriter, hailing from Uganda but currently based in Austin, Texas, kicked off the evening with a lively nine-song performance. His set showcased his powerful high tenor voice, as well as his engaging, self-effacing humor, as he shared tales of his transition from Africa to America, and the genesis of the songs he performed.

As I embarked on my journey to America, I found myself quite unusual, as Muk put it. Yet, luckily for me, my companions were open and sincere. This year, Muk unveiled his debut album, masterfully crafted by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. He’s a performer you won’t want to miss.

For more than a decade, The Secret Sisters have been captivating audiences. Their recent Summer tour has come to an end, but they’re gearing up for another journey, this time accompanying Ray LaMontagne. Laura assures their fans that you can look forward to the rich, buttery tones of their voice harmonizing on “All the Ways.”

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2024-08-20 16:00