Music

Music Quick Hits | March 23, 2016

V1 Staff |

The Tallest Man On Earth
The Tallest Man On Earth

The Eau Claire Regional Arts Center announced this week that Swedish-born indie folk artist The Tallest Man On Earth will play The State Theatre on July 16. Kristian Mattson’s once-sparse solo folk project has now bloomed into a full band experience with help of some notable local cats such as Ben Lester (Aero Flynn) and Mike Noyce (Bon Iver). The Tallest Man On Earth’s latest record, Dark Bird Is Home (recorded at Justin Vernon’s April Base studio in Fall Creek) was a departure from his lo-fi pluckings and scratchy recordings. Now bolstered with a full band, the songs hit harder while maintaining the same emotional resonance and deft songwriting – not to mention Mattson’s stark, gravelly voice. Tickets for the show go on sale on March 23 for ECRAC members and March 25 for the general public. They’re $28 in advance and $30 at the door, and they’re limited to just four tickets per person. To learn more, visit www.eauclairearts.com. –Eric Christenson

Full details are now emerging about the Day of the Dead, a Grateful Dead tribute collection curated by members of The National. The huge undertaking is a 59-track album that includes contributions from Justin Vernon as well as indie rock elite such as Wilco, The Flaming Lips, The War On Drugs, The National, Courtney Barnett, Lucinda Williams and many, many more. There’s a cover of The Dead’s “Black Muddy Water” by the legendary Bruce Hornsby with DeYarmond Edison, Vernon’s old folk band. The only live show planned for the Day of the Dead is at this year’s Eaux Claires Music & Arts Festival on Aug. 11-12, featuring Vernon, Jenny Lewis, Matthew Houck (Phosphorescent), Lucius, Will Oldham (Bonnie “Prince” Billy), Sam Amidon, Richard Reed Parry (The Arcade Fire), Matt Berninger (The National), Bruce Hornsby, and Ruban Nielson (Unknown Mortal Orchestra). The Day of the Dead album releases on May 20. –Eric Christenson

Robert “One-Man” Johnson
Robert “One-Man” Johnson

If you love seeing true musical talent in action and dig listening to the blues and ragtime tunes, then you’re in for a real treat with Robert “One-Man” Johnson’s upcoming show at the V1 Gallery. Johnson is a UWEC graduate who has taught classes in several countries across the world, and he has performed in more than 200 locations across the United States. Part of what makes Johnson such an interesting performer is that he truly is a “one-man” show, playing not one, not two, but four instruments at the same time. When’s he’s not singing, Johnson can play harmonica, guitar, hi-hat cymbal, and a homemade, 12-string bass foot piano. Among a plethora of classic, well-loved tunes, he will also toss in some original numbers during the show as well. The show, which is happening at 7pm on March 26, is free and all ages, and a bunch of Johnson’s work will be on hand for purchase. –Katie Robertson