Autry Museum of the American West Los Angeles, CA
Contact: [email protected]
Web: brotherswan.com
Players: Chris Matthews, vocals, guitar; Ian Stahl, vocals, bass; Morganfield Riley, guitar; Chris Weisson, drums
Material: Brother Swan took the stage at the Autry Museum as part of Street Food Cinema’s special pairing with Quentin Tarantino's cult classic, Pulp Fiction. This outdoor event, combining live music, local food trucks galore and an iconic film, set the perfect scene for a band with classic rock influences and college rock sensibilities.
Musicianship: With a soft-spoken, but charming "We're gonna have some fun," the band gently eased into their set with an Americana-inspired single “Horses.” Their frontman Chris Matthews may be mild-mannered, but the material stands on its own. The second song shifted gears, erupting into a rip-roaring guitar solo that brought an intensity to the performance, with bassist Ian Stahl doing heavy lifting on lead vocals.
The crowd particularly responded to “When’s the Last Time,” where the deep and high harmonies added depth to an already engaging performance. The band seamlessly combined their ‘70s and ‘80s rock influences with a hint of blues and a lot of fuzz, particularly evident on tracks like this one.
Performance: One memorable moment was when the band took a brief pause to ask the audience how they were sounding, followed by a sincere shoutout to their sound team. It was a thoughtful gesture, though somewhat drowned out by the swirling guitars and evening atmosphere. That fuzzed-up sound, present in several tracks, was warmly welcomed by the audience, further amplifying the nostalgic classic rock vibe.
“In the Morning” was a standout track, giving the band room to expand into a five-minute jam session, showcasing their musical versatility. The final song “America” delivered a fitting and unmistakable Pulp Fiction vibe. With a secret agent feel reminiscent of “Misirlou,” the band channeled their inner Tarantino, ending the night on a high note.
Summary: Though their gratitude may have been hard to hear over the guitars and rowdy crowd-chatter, Brother Swan’s performance and thoughtful stage moments at the Autry brought energy and left a lasting impression, ushering in concert/moviegoing guests under the stars.
