Adam Melchor’s Riverside Revival show, opening for jazz-pop sensation Laufey, was my third time seeing him perform in my three years in Nashville. Melchor released his newest EP titled “Fruitland” on Oct. 13.
Kicking off his set with a brief rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from the Wizard of Oz, Melchor performed “ADELAIDE,” a track from his EP released just a few weeks ago. Melchor’s folksy, alternative voice was accompanied just by his acoustic guitar, creating an intimate ambiance for the show. Pairing newer tracks with his classics like “Moon in the Morning” and “Buzzer Beater,” Melchor shared some of the backstories behind his songwriting. He said Laufey told him how “Buzzer Beater” was at the top of her Spotify listening charts last year, pushing him to add it to his setlist.
Getting ready to perform “it’s just my heart,” Melchor explained that he wrote the song after an ex-girlfriend called him when a tree fell on her car just 72 hours after breaking up with him. Before returning to older tracks like “Real Estate,” Melchor then performed “SEROTONIN,” “PEACH” and “RESOLUTION” from his newest EP Fruitland. The songs built on Melchor’s patent ballads, bringing introspection, energy and emotion. “RESOLUTION,” the last song on his EP, was a special addition to the Nashville set. He explained that one of his best friends who was particularly fond of the song was in attendance.
Despite having seen Melchor perform years in a row, his shows are never dull or repetitive — his command of the crowd grows stronger each time. This Riverside Revival show made me all the more grateful that I stumbled across Melchor’s set at 6th and Peabody in Nov. 2021. There is something truly special about being able to watch an artist grow, and Melchor’s performances always get better and better.
After wrapping up his set, Melchor stayed on stage for Laufey’s main performance. Playing everything from the maracas to guitar, Melchor was a critical addition to Laufey’s already stellar band.
Blending themes of teenage girlhood with 50s jazz styles, Laufey dazzled the stage. With tracks that felt straight out of an old Disney movie, Laufey transitioned seamlessly from singing to performing cello to playing piano. I am personally confident that her new album “Bewitched” is single-handedly bringing back the jazz genre.
I was particularly excited to hear some of my favorite Laufey songs, including “Best Friend,” “From The Start” and “Valentine.” If you’re just now discovering her music, it’s the perfect season to start adding these tracks to your fall or winter campus stroll playlists.
