Cass McCombs and Jose Gonzalez
Buskirk-Chumley Theatre
Monday, Dec. 3

With no more than two guitars, a piano and a drum, Cass McCombs and his band created a warm, intimate environment filled with hushed harmonies and dreamy melodies. Their style can be likened to Iron and Wine’s acoustic folk, with Ben Gibbard’s knack for storytelling.

McCombs’ beautiful voice was sometimes punctuated by droning groans and growls, which contrasted starkly with his otherwise calm and modest demeanor. He and his band played a short set list of nearly ambient songs that sounded natural and comfortable.

The calm feeling in the theater set the stage perfectly for Jose Gonzalez’s dark and moody set. His backdrop was a black sheet with printed white trees that changed colors throughout the set. Two spotlights focused on a musician intently hunched over his guitar, motionless except for his fingers plucking and beating on his classical guitar.

Listening to Gonzalez live is an entirely different aural experience from hearing his CDs. His guitar was rich and resonating, and his voice was warm and gentle. Together, the two sounds blended and reverberated in a beautifully crafted dichotomy.

After playing “Heartbeats” to a very appreciative audience, Gonzalez brought two percussionists on stage. The natural sound of their beating and clapping added to the organic feeling of the environment, while their vocal accompaniments twisted and turned with Gonzalez’s hushed voice.

Gonzalez appeased the crowd by playing such favorites as “Lovestain” and his simple, yet beautifully rich version of Massive Attack’s “Teardrop.” His skill and expertise could be seen through his adept tuning and manipulation of the guitar, and the ease with which he intricately plucks at the strings. Gonzalez’s songs are compassionate and heart-felt, and have earned him a reputation worthy of his name.