St. Paul and the Broken Bones

The Bellwether, Los Angeles, CA

November 9, 2023

Review and Gallery by: David Saxum

Thursday night at the Bellwether in Los Angeles unfolded into a soulful spectacle courtesy of St. Paul and the Broken Bones. The evening’s excitement began with the captivating opener, Maggie Rose, who expertly commanded the stage, effortlessly handling the crowd. Her engaging interaction with the audience created an infectious energy, setting the perfect tone for the main act.

Maggie Rose, with her beautiful voice and abundant talent, proved to be America’s best-kept musical secret. It was surprising that she hasn’t garnered more widespread recognition yet. Her performance was a wonder, showcasing her ability to captivate and warm up the audience with ease.

As the night progressed, St. Paul and the Broken Bones took the stage, unleashing their multi-instrumental prowess and dynamic brass section. A standout moment came with their rendition of “Over The Rainbow,” bathed in rainbow lighting, delivering a magical live experience. The band’s soulful twist on the classic elevated it to one of the most memorable covers witnessed. Amidst the classics, the band introduced a new acoustic song dedicated to Paul’s son, adding a personal and poignant touch to the evening. Stripping down their sound revealed another layer of their musical depth.

The lighting design, featuring blues, golds, and reds, complemented the mood of each song, transforming the concert into a sensory journey. A defining moment occurred as Paul traversed the crowd, singing from the balcony towards the show’s climax, solidifying the connection between the band and the audience.

In summary, the night was a celebration of soul and musical excellence. Maggie Rose’s exciting opening set, coupled with St. Paul and the Broken Bones’ extraordinary performance, made Thursday at the Bellwether an unforgettable experience. The combination of musical talent, engaging interactions, and visual aesthetics created a night that left an indelible mark on everyone present.