The Ambiance

Even if you haven’t caught one yet, you’re probably aware that a SoFar Sounds show is a great way to spend a night out, not just in Philly but anywhere. Awesome artists that you may or may not know, performing in what’s always a hybrid, and often a motley venue. Whether you know the artists or not, you don’t know who’s actually performing until you get there. What I’m saying is that these folks at SoFar don’t miss… they DON’T miss.

So combine that intimate experience with minimal, palatial acts in one of Philly’s most charming art galleries in Ultra Silk at 38th & Lancaster, and you’ve got yourself a fantastic evening of live music.

I would’ve missed the show myself if it weren’t for the Manager & Curator at Ultra Silk Gallery, Ms. Kenya, who I was fortunate to meet the day before while filming our Neighborhood Tour for Lancaster Ave. She’s very excited to bring back Second Fridays @ Ultra Silk Gallery for the first time since COVID robbed them from Lancaster Ave, and those familiar with the events at Ultra Silk and along Lancaster Ave are equally enthused. In bringing them back, this was certainly a beautiful and successful debut.

Ms. Kenya is the daughter of the gallery’s owner, Rashida Watson, a world-traveled folk art & jewelry collector with pieces from all over Africa and other continents, but also from right here in Philly and from her own two (very modest) hands, as she’s a striking artist in her own right. In their own words, nearly everything in both Ultra Silk Gallery and The Silk Tent (the shop Rashida manages herself on the same block) is for sale.

Be sure to check them out! ultrasilkgallery.com

THE ARTSTS

Jake Swamp and The Pine

One-man-band Jake Swamp and The Pine (actual name Drew) brings energy to indie, which I absolutely love.

His solo set is complete with an acoustic guitar, harmonica, kickdrum, and tambourine feet.

He brought a great presence to the stage as he performed songs off his new album, “Simpson and Banks,” and added the right amount of playful banter, required for such an intimate show. With the most normal speaking voice you could ever have, his soothing vocal cords with a light rasp for pickup were a fun surprise.

He stressed environmentalism and explained the origins behind his song “Chapstick and Change” came from his grandmother reminding him to bring those items with him, to which playfully he responded, “You know what, hold that fucking thought, Beverly.”

Although he’s based out of Boston, his song, “Cigarettes & Coffee” is inspired by renowned Philly artist, Japenese Breakfast and her book, Crying In H-Mart and the description of her first apartment in Philly, as she was launching her career.

@jakeswamp

Al Zamora

As I told Al after the show, he’s one sernadin’ son of a bitch. Dude even asked to turn the lights down before his performance. Beforehand, he was focused, writing on a little notepad and I presumed him to be a rapper or poet of some kind, and a shy one at that. I’m not taking back the shy comment, considering he barely lifted his eyes out from under his retro Eagles hat, but his performance was raw and pleasantly unexpected, bringing a light falsetto and love songs forward with a subtle swagger that produced an engaging and relatable acoustic R&B set.

He’s a Philly native and clearly loves to play the guitar, often ending songs on the mic with a simple “cool” or “thanks” before he wrapped them on the guitar. He impressed and drew ‘woos’ with guitar solos, and noted that he’s been playing for 14 years now.

Al is expected to launch an EP/album later this year. He also frequently collaborates with Cvgebird, the very first artist he highlighted here at The City Root.

@alzamoracanplay

Chris Walton

In the midst of his first tour, Chris Walton continued Al’s slow approach to the intimate room with deep songs about love, social justice, and the human condition. Playing as he referred to his set, “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue."

“Sober,” “Do Something,” and “Changes” all stood out as some of his best work. The guitar talent was evident and his vocals were smooth. He’s headlining a show at Milkboy this Sunday (Feb. 19, 2023) if you want to check him out and his new album, Ruminating Thoughts has only been out for a month, so go stream!

@senatorfudge