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Joseph Arthur ignites Madison with hot set

Joseph Arthur played a stunning live show at Luther’s Blues earlier this month. Assembling sonic structures out of looped guitar and voice samples played live, Arthur recreated his masterful and memorable musical concoctions for a thrilled Madison audience.

He starts by tapping out a beat on the body and neck of his guitar, all the while kicking switches with his feet.

He continues layering hooks and random noises, all produced by his guitar, until the collective parts sound like at least a five-man backing band. Then he begins to play the lead and sing, hitting a million petals with his foot and bringing different elements in and out of the song at all the appropriate times.

Not only does he have good balance, but the songs are amazing. Every head in Luther’s Blues was moving and every foot was tapping earlier this month. It’s almost impossible to try to explain. You honestly need to see Joseph Arthur play live.

Hailing from Akron, Ohio, Arthur was picked up by Peter Gabriel for his Real World label in 1997. He has released five albums, from his debut Big City Secrets to this year’s Our Shadows Will Remain. All have been well received critically, but other than song appearances on soundtracks for “The O.C.” and “American Wedding” (both were for his track, “Honey and the Moon”), the general public has yet to be exposed to this talented artist. Those who do hear him, however, will be hooked for life.

For every song with which he creates a one-man sonic masterpiece, there is a softer, more guitar oriented gem, featuring only his guitar and a voice that would make the ladies tear down their David Cassidy posters. Each song played was better than the last, and it would be hard to pick a favorite.

One that definitely came close would have to be “Can’t Exist,” a song from his new album. On this, he first sang the chorus, recording it with one of his many switches and then sang the song, using his own voice as backing instrumentation. It was Joseph Arthur featuring Joseph Arthur. Cooler than ice cold. Near the end of the show he brought on his opening act, Joan as Police Woman, to duet on violin for several songs, which was unexpected but well done.

As far as the opening act goes, Joan as Police Woman is an extremely competent musician, but not everyone’s cup of tea. Although the last song she played was amazing, many probably wished she had tapped that vein earlier. In any case, she can sure play a mean violin and definitely brought Joseph Arthur’s already amazing show up a few notches.

For fans of talented singers/songwriters like Gavin DeGraw, Ed Harcourt or the late Jeff Buckley who are willing to try something a little more raw and experimental, Joseph Arthur is well worth a listen. All told, an exhilarating show from one of the most exciting artists in a while.

If this guy isn’t selling millions of records, he should be, and if you don’t go see him when you have a chance, you’re missing out big time.