Joshua Tree Music Festival Joshua Tree, CA
Contact: [email protected]
Players: Helena Holeran, vocals, guitar; Kyre Wilcox, bass; Matt Weber, drums; Ty Kiernan, percussion; Chase Pado, keys
Material: Under the hot desert sun, Helena Holleran and her band delivered a lush, thirst quenching set at the Cafe Stage. The San Diego native brings a diverse approach to the singer-songwriter genre, infusing elements of jazz, reggae, and world music. “Confluence” is an ever-shifting track, relying on seamless groove changes as the band escalates the opening half-time groove into a Hiatus Kaiyote-like Latin jam, and back.
Musicianship: Their second number, “Too Much Blue,” is a delightful combination of jazz and bossa nova rhythms that got the crowd swaying along. With impeccable pitch and a soulful tone, Holleran’s voice brings a jazzier approach to the singer-songwriter genre akin to Lianne La Havas. Her guitar chords often feature extended harmonies, and has the vocal chops to match and dance through chordal extensions, creating a floaty, easy style.
Performance: Holleran’s backing ensemble ebbs and flows through groove and genre changes with ease, and each band member has a moment to shine. On “Pressure,” Holleran drops the guitar and let’s Kieran and Pado shine on the congas and Fender Rhodes. Weber holds down the fort throughout the set, seamlessly weaving together genre and feel changes. While an undeniably talented bassist, Wilcox often takes the lead in the ensemble and makes it difficult to distinguish his baselines from his solos, occasionally overshadowing even the vocals.
Summary: Closing with their latest release, “Rococo Palace” is a more straight ahead piano trio approach with a strong unison line on bass and piano. In keeping with her kaleidoscopic style, section changes often signal groove changes and the bridge demonstrates just how deep the band’s chops go. Holleran’s tunes are a must-listen for fans of George Benson, Lianne La Havas, and Haitus Kaiyote.
