Josh Ritter: Electric Lady Studios 2015

Josh Ritter performed at the legendary Electric Lady Studios for the first time for this FUV session. Although he'll be bringing The Royal City Band to his Beacon Theatre show next year, he was accompanied by guitarist and fellow songwriter Josh Kaufman for this stripped-down set, mostly focused on songs from the fine new album, Sermon On The Rocks.

Josh is a master lyricist and the new songs are packed with rich characters and clever rhymes. At times, an old-time country influence can be heard in these songs, and it was cool to learn that Ritter has been writing cowboy tunes for an upcoming Bob Weir album. His set also featured an inspired cover of an old Roger Miller song.

For the show, Josh was sporting a paint-splattered jumpsuit, which turned out to be proof positive of his latest creative outlet: painting. He is one of our favorites here at FUV and is clearly an artist who is ever-evolving.

We all enjoyed this performance at Electric Lady Studios while sipping a "Sermon On The Rocks" custom cocktail. Here's the receipe:

"Sermon on the Rocks"
by Max Wastler of Basil Hayden's® Bourbon

2 parts Basil Hayden's® Bourbon
1 part Morris Kitchen Spiced Apple
1 part Morris Kitchen Ginger
1 part apple cider Shake and serve over fresh ice.

Top with sparkling cider and a lemon wedge.

Setlist

• A Certain Light
• Henrietta, Indiana
• A Big Enough Sky
• Where The Night Goes
• The Stone
  [interview]
• Engine Engine #9
• Cumberland
• Getting Ready To Get Down
• My Man On A Horse (Is Here)

[recorded: 11/3/15]

Funding for WFUV’s ongoing coverage of live concerts and festivals comes from the Agnes Varis Trust, supporting affordable access to the arts, education and healthcare.