The Devil Makes Three // Commodore Ballroom
The Devil Makes Three, a California-based bluegrass and ragtime trio, played a passionate set at the Commodore Ballroom (Sunday Nov. 12th). The stage was set in long string lights, and the floor of The Commodore, notoriously packed with springs, was the perfect venue to experience this Americana group.
The foot-stomping of the crowd was set to a mixture of their more recent material (Redemption & Ruin / released 2016) and some older tunes (The Devil Makes Three / released 2002). The trio’s harmonious vocals were paired with the twang of a stand up bass (Lucia Turino), guitar (Pete Bernhard), and Banjo (Cooper McBean), simultaneously complemented by a guest fiddler and percussionist. The crowd swayed in response to some of my favourites: “Old Number Seven,” “Hallelu,” and “Graveyard” to name a few. This performance put bluegrass hot on 987’s radar!
The musical and cultural impression of The Devil Makes Three is less reflective of their home state, California, and more so of South Carolina. Similarly, the atmosphere felt less like Vancouver and more like…let’s say…Vernon? The Devil Makes Three brought out the down-to-earth side of the Vancouver music scene and the crowd clearly adored the opportunity to appreciate some simply and impeccably performed old-time country music. Here’s to The Devil Makes Three for broadening our musical horizons, and showing us a damn good time.
Review: Allison Bridges
Photos: Jahmal Cooper
