Odie Leigh brought her sensitive romance to the Valley Bar on Tuesday, enchanting her audience with her dreamy folk music. Supported by Izzy Mahoubi and Clover County, the trio brought an incredible show to what Leigh repeatedly called “The Grand Canyon State.”
The show started with Mahoubi, who passionately sang of what she called “not being wanted.” Her vocal range impressed the audience, eliciting hoots of shock and appreciation.
“Cool Guy,” was an impressive standout from her set, describing a failed love affair with “a man who / Plays guitar in a rock and roll band.”
Mahoubi’s eclectic silver jewelry and a beautiful white lace blouse complemented her unique yet endearing presence, making her a “cool girl.”
Then came Clover County, a Georgia-based country-pop singer-songwriter. Her songs center around, as she simply put, “boys.”
A bit gimmicky at times, citing herself as a “junkie for love,” Clover County’s songs read as odes to loves current and past. Her stage presence was more practiced and confident than Mahoubi, but both artists let their passion for the craft shine on the intimate stage of the Valley Bar.
After a short intermission, the woman of the hour came onto the stage with her band; Odie Leigh.
On recording, Leigh’s music is far more quiet and intimate than its live versions. Hits such as “Crop Circles” and “Ronnie’s Song” are simple and make the listener feel like Leigh is sitting in front of them with her acoustic guitar and lilting voice.
The opposite is true when Leigh performs live. Her three-piece band may sound unimpressive on paper, but in-person, their sound is incredibly all-encompassing. Flanked by her bassist and guitarist, and supported by a thumping drumbeat, Leigh exploded onto stage with “My Name on a T-Shirt” from her newest album, “Carrier Pigeon.”
The crowd loved Leigh. Every audience member knew every word, even to the “Carrier Pigeon” representation on the setlist. Following the opening song, “No Doubt” kept the energy high. A song about finally being appreciated by a new lover, the crowd chanted the lyrics back to Leigh. Her smile never left her face as she grinned through “Already (On My Mind).”
Other standouts include “Double Shift” and “Conversation Starter.” Leigh balanced the setlist with energetic and mellow songs, both old and new. The throughline: she is an incredibly talented singer-songwriter with a knack for catchy refrains and rocking beats.
The most heartwarming part of the show was Leigh’s interaction with the crowd. Employing call-and-response tactics and full conversations with crowd members, Leigh is a master performer.
Listen to Leigh’s newest album here.