WOVENHAND
with The Bellwether Syndicate and Helen Money
Reggies in Chicago
Wed 9/5/18

Can’t get much better, and much more pleasing to the ears than seeing and photographing David Eugene Edwards and his band Wovenhand performing live, and have local act William Faith and his band The Bellwether Syndicate opening for Wovenhand as well.
David Eugene Edwards has earned a reputation both through his recordings and performing live, an unmistakable and mythical vibe of enduring transcendence.
You truly can’t classify this guy. His music incorporates a true southern gothic gospel boogie, apparent from his living for years in Elktooth Colorado, steeped in Native American folklore and ambience.
Even that statement doesn’t hold the variances that come forth in regards to Wovenhand, since you have to add the unending commitment to deep down Christian beliefs influencing most of the lyrical imagery, and questioning everything.
It’s not Christianity down your throat and utterly getting out of dodge.
Wovenhand and David Eugene Edwards are the exact opposite.
It’s a push, a reminder, to not have contempt prior to investigation.
Wovenhand, with brilliant and headstrong music, lyrically deal with pain, utter conflict, faith and redemption, and a nourishing belief in community and trust.
I can’t say this about most bands, and it’s rare indeed to have this deep down connection in this present and oh so chaotic day and age.
If ever there was a time for more and more David Eugene Edwards and Wovenhand, it’s certainly now.
And to have Wovenhand on the road regularly is truly a lucky thing, reminding us of the beauty in special rock n’ roll bands, and witnessing said band perform live.
Wovenhand are always brilliant, no matter the size of the venue they’re playing in.
Opening for Wovenhand were William Faith and Sarah Rose of the Bellwether Syndiacte: an oh so brief set, but captivating nevertheless, since it’s been ages since we’ve seen them perform in Chicago.
Stiil a band with style and substance front and center, with that dominating presence of William Faith stoking the audience with a dynamic performance of passion and honest fortitude.
It’s a powerful and commanding performance by the quartet, although bathed in lots of red light throughout (which is technically a photographer’s nightmare), but no matter.
I love these guys, and any chance to photograph William Faith and Co. is always a good thing.
To have William Faith and The Bellwether Syndicate end their show with Faith and the Muse’s “The Trauma Coil” just adds to the unsettled mix of beauty and might: a song to withstand almost anything that comes your way.
Los Angeles based Helen Money, a brilliant cellist and composer, opened the show with her otherworldy sonic explorations with her electrified cello and elaborate soundscapes.
All n’ all, a wonderful evening with some captivating artists.
Cheers- Bobby Talamine – Music Photographer