Make Believe by DPCD (2021)
Mar 12, 2022
I played at the Golden Dagger (formerly Tonic Room) for Lee Ketch's solo album release last night and had the pleasure of hearing DPCD open. I had never heard them before, but can now say I'm a fan. Alec Watson's gentle, breathy vocals, finger-plucked acoustic guitars, and the lilting melodies of his songs drew a direct line in my mind to artists like Sufjan Stevens and Nick Drake. The band also made use of an actual, mid-century-era acoustic celesta (Jenco brand, portable version seen in the image above), an instrument I had never seen or heard performed live before. It was a gorgeous accompaniment to the guitars and vocal harmonies.
When I got home after the show, I looked up some of his recordings and found this gem of a record "DPCD Sings". It is an homage to the Great American Songbook, and it's almost eerie how these recordings and tunes sound like they come from another time, decades ago.
Some more jams
Arts and Letters also played the show last night, their first performance in four years. Their sound is equal parts early Beach Boys and early Kinks. Always a delight.
The hit single (in my opinion) off of Lee's new album.
Context for this week's jam
Chicago weather: Lots of sunshine. High near 25F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.
Top news: Block Club Chicago - 'Chicago River To Be Dyed Green Again, And Parades Are Back For St. Patrick’s Day Weekend'
Posted Mar 12, 2022