JACKSON, Wyo. — If there’s such a thing as a modern folk icon, Iron & Wine’s Sam Beam would be in the running. Certainly one of the most revered voices in the world of indie-folk, his two-decade career from lo-fi to hi-fi comes to Jackson for the first time. Iron & Wine will perform solo this Monday at the Center Theater.
Last spring, Iron & Wine hit the road with full band, including a string and rhythm ensemble, to support its first full-length album in seven years, 2024’s Light Verse. He calls the studio set a “cinematic album,” with four of the songs featuring a 26-piece orchestra and a lyrical progression toward wry wit and conversational themes. This summer, Iron & Wine re-kindled studio and touring collaboration with childhood friend Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses), releasing a follow-up EP of covers featuring songs by Kendrick Lamar, U2 and boygenius. Beam aptly repeated a similar studio-plus-touring collaboration with I’m With Her this summer. After a post-pandemic bout of writer’s block, these collaborations helped spur Beam’s creativity.
With chatter of Iron & Wine’s highly collaborative year thus far, it’s further intriguing to know that he’ll be appearing solo for this performance; just one of three solo shows, with the other two happening in Colorado. Often times, it’s a welcomed simplicity to hear a superb lyricist with stripped-back, solo accompaniment.
Opening the show is Colorado’s Bluebook. Typically an all-female “haunting apocalyptic lounge project” quartet, this show will feature founding member Julie Davis performing solo. NPR describes Davis’ music as encompassing “beautifully structured dynamics and captivating sonic twists,” while The Denver Post Reverb said that Davis “gives haunting, holy voice to some of the darkest spots of imagination.”
The Center Presents Iron & Wine with special guest Bluebook, at 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20, at the Center Theater. Tickets are $81-$126. JHCenterForTheArts.org.
