Christopher Owens definitely threw fans for a loop when he left Girls this past year, order but his latest solo album, doctor Lysandre, brought just as much sincerity as any project that he has previously put forth. As a concept album about a past love, Lysandre gives us a multilayer insight into Owens’ world.
Owens’ show at the Paradise worked on every level to bring Lysandre to life. The rarely seated venue made an exception for a special night in which everyone looked up at the small-framed Owens who alternated sitting and standing in front of his bouquet of white roses. As he poured out his perspective, seven other musicians shared the stage to play out the harmonica, saxophone, flute, two female backup vocals, and other sounds heard on the album.
Owens played the whole of Lysandre and although short, it was something held up as pretty special. As everyone looked up, you could get a clear idea of the appreciation for an album crafted with such care, but it did not go unnoticed. Owens moved the show along with all of the grace and the grit people look for in his work. As an artist who has admitted to truly enjoying his final product, Owens’ conviction was visible.
At one point, he leaned down, mid-song, to offer an audience member the white roses that sat in front of the stage. He might not have personally given out the bulk of the impressive instrumentals, but his 7 piece band helped him in being able to just focus on his charm and connection he experiences with the strong songwriting heard on the album. Every time there was a smile cracked or a look over to the two girls handling the backup vocals, it felt as though we were making a breakthrough that we never fully got to see with Girls.
A couple cover songs were added onto the set to not only lengthen this special night, but to let us experience these classic songs in bit of a darker, more whimsical light. It was Cat Stevens, “Wild World” and Simon and Garfunkel’s, “The Boxer”, that really set a tone for the night. A wave and a smile followed to leave everyone in awe of a Christopher Owens who still has that spark that we were mourning with the announcement of the end of Girls. Owens displayed the relevance he has as a solo artist and is sure to see strong support from the people who take time to witness it.
Photo Credit: Ben Stas