The Walt Disney Concert Hall is probably one of the best music halls for orchestral or any musical performances in Los Angeles, maybe even anywhere. A beautiful building with all wood walls allows for a fabulous sound experience.  Add this to the great and innovative artists with new music, plus extraordinary arrangements and you can pretty much guarantee an evening of heaven on earth for the listener. At least this listener.

Many folk, jazz and blues artists today are incorporating symphonic arrangements into their productions and performances. One of my favorite groups, multi-Grammy winners Snarky Puppy recently performed at Disney Hall accompanied by the L.A. Philharmonic.  And Grammy nominee, Sam Beam of Iron & Wine is one of these great, innovative artists. Last Sunday’s show was sold out by Beam’s fan base and they didn’t miss a beat. Hearing the Iron & Wine material in this symphonic setting was truly magical.

The evening began with an amusing introduction by the show’s master arranger and conductor, the charming David Campbell, calling the unusually large group of musicians on stage “The Sam Beam Philharmonic” to laughter and anxious applause. Then he introduced a short instrumental piece, “Follow My Heart” by composer, Pauline Frechette, who was present in the audience. The emotional impact of the piece with its haunting and infectious melody and innovative changes was magnified by Campbell’s dynamic arrangements and was met with enthusiastic applause which grew into cheers as a spotlight picked up Pauline in the house.

It was the perfect opener for the night acclimating Iron & Wine’s audience to the symphonic setting and allowing Iron & Wine to walk on stage to a warmed up and enthusiastic audience and orchestra. Beam entered in his relaxed off-handed manner with a glass of wine in hand, putting himself at ease, joking with the audience, acting intimidated, at first, by the “band” but stating confidence in his material…and well, he should. It was like they had all played many times together before. (Ha, not even close, with this group, one rehearsal!) But from the beginning, the audience and myself, had just as much confidence.  Each piece, especially “Soon Forgotten,” my favorite from Endless Numbered Days, was breathtaking.

Sophia DeMarco