Society of Broken Souls, the folk noir duo of Dennis James and Lauryn Shapter, celebrates the release of their new CD, Midnight and The Pale with a special concert at Cafe Paradiso on Friday, April 13th at 8 p.m.
Midnight and The Pale, the follow-up to 2016?s Things Still Left Unsaid, is the pair?s second album under the moniker Society of Broken Souls and their fifth collaboration. The new album once again sees James and Shapter writing, arranging, producing, and engineering the 11-song collection, as well as performing all the parts. Starting a music career considerably later in life than most emerging artists, the duo is embracing the maturity and experience that comes from years passed, life lived, and challenges faced. Their latest album is a study in the interplay of light and dark, and the beauty that results when they are allowed to walk comfortably side by side.
Called ?a songwriting powerhouse? (Ben Kieffer, Iowa Public Radio), the duo performs their own brand of American roots music. While they have their roots as an acoustic duo, their live show has blossomed into an expansive setting for weathered characters, tough topics, and quiet beauty. Fiddle, drums, keyboard, and acoustic and electric guitars, in intricately woven and varied arrangements, create a wide, dynamic palette. As they take turns singing lead and harmony, the pair paints a vast emotional landscape, ranging from the rebellious and jubilant to the introspective and heartfelt.
In spite of the conventional wisdom that says to let go of childish dreams and leave the rock and roll lifestyle to the young, James and Shapter are reinventing their lives with vigor. As part of that renewed commitment, the duo retrofitted a 23-year-old RV to hold the myriad instruments they bring on stage. In 2017 they covered over 22,000 miles, performing nearly 100 shows in 18 states. An even heavier coast-to-coast touring schedule is planned for 2018.
Come help them kick off the 2018 tour and celebrate the new recording on Friday, April 13th at Cafe Paradiso at 8 pm. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door.
Society of Broken Souls
Cafe Paradiso
Lauryn Shapter