There's probably no better bestower of accolades than British DJ John Peel (R.I.P.). So when he calls an artist "unobtrusively brilliant," everyone should start paying attention. The artist in question is Cass McCombs, and tomorrow he plays at Bowery Ballroom. Remarkably, tickets aren't sold out. But they will be.
The Baltimore singer/songwriter has been compared to Bill Callahan, and while both singers have a fascination with the bleakest of humor, McCombs eschews Callahan's deadpan delivery for something more traditionally emotive. McCombs' voice has greater suppleness; he ascends the scale into high places Callahan cannot. If you're interested in seeing one of the artists at the forefront of the American singer/songwriter tradition, go to this show (and check out Callahan's work, too; both these dudes are gifted).
Cass McCombs
Thursday, May 12
8 p.m. (doors)
The Bowery Ballroom
6 Delancey St, New York
Tickets $15
