Kris Delmhorst is fairly well-known in the local (Massachusetts) music scene, but I had not seen her perform until last week at the Extended Play Sessions at Alternate Root TV.

Kris Delmhorst

Kris’ style is described as folk and American roots, which I believe is accurate. 

Kris is obviously quite comfortable being on stage because her calm enthusiasm shined.

Kris

Last month, she released “Blood Test”, her first album of original music in six years – the hiatus was due to the birth of her daughter – and the set comprised mostly songs from that album.

Kris

I particularly enjoyed ’92nd Street’ which I instantly knew was about New York City. The audience appreciated the way she introduced ‘Bees’, another good song from “Blood Test”. Several members of the audience experienced a visceral reaction to the song! I’d say that indicates excellent songwriting.

Kris and Charlie Rose

Kris played guitar and sang, accompanied by Charlie Rose, another local musician. I may have seen Charlie perform with one of the many acts on his résumé, but never in such an intimate setting.

Charlie

Charlie plays guitar and pedal steel, and also provided backing vocals. I told him I was excited to see him play the pedal steel because I had never sat so close to one and was interested to see exactly how it’s played. I was fascinated watching him play it – and yes, Charlie, you played it well!

Charlie

I got the feeling that Kris and Charlie do not perform as a duo often, but that was not evident on the stage this night. They sounded great together, and I look forward to seeing the film of this Session.

Kris

Charlie

I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my copy of her new album; Kris did not receive them in time to bring them with her. I can’t wait to hear those songs again!

This was a fairly mellow show, but do not interpret that to mean it was boring – on the contrary! In this setting, we were fully able to absorb the high quality of the songs.

Kris

Kris

Kris

Kris

Kris