In what was to be the first date of a US tour (Friday, March 13th, 2020) to coincide with the release of Lauren Ruth Ward’s Vol. II album, it would turn into a single record release show (for the time being) as the world has pushed the pause button. For those of us who were undeterred to still bear witness in what could be our last live show for a while, we were treated to 10 of the 11 new songs from the Vol. II album along with a few classics from her debut album, Well, Hell. As I’ve become a big LRW fan, I also look forward to what opening acts she brings along as they are usually more obscure acts but are equally as talented. On this night, the fans were not disappointed as AC Sapphire and Valley Queen warmed up the venue before LRW took the stage.
First up was AC Sapphire, who was an artist I had never heard of previously, however, I’m glad I was at this show as I am now becoming a fan. This was a solo performance of some of her songs that were recently released on her album Omni Present, and as I go between my live recordings of her and the studio albums, she is great whether acoustic or with a full band. The atmosphere of the Casbah was a great place to see AC Sapphire for the first time and this will definitely not be my last.
Next up was Valley Queen (Natalie Carol) in a solo performance as well. Again, an artist I had heard the name but had never listened to, yet, another artist I’m glad I was able to see and become a fan of as well. As with AC Sapphire, Valley Queen is normally a full-fledged band, however, on this tour, it was Natalie Carol performing songs solo which gave the night a somber vibe to coincide with the happenings of the world around us at this crossroads of present and future. I felt a very personal connection to Valley Queen’s solo performance and I find myself listening to their album, Supergiant when I just want relaxing music with a great soothing voice. As with AC Sapphire, I now need to see Natalie Carol with all band members present to get a full appreciation of the music known as Valley Queen.
And up to close out the show was the headliner and Lizard Queen herself, Lauren Ruth Ward, for her Vol. II album release show and the subsequent first night of what was to be a month and a half US tour. As I’ve come to realize, you never know which band members (outside of the core duo) will partake in the live performances and on this night it was no different. To complement Lauren’s energetic sultry vocals and Eduardo Rivera’s sentimental guitar riffs was Emma Cole on backing vocals to fill to the void of missing a live bass player on this night. The set opened with Water Sign (which was the last single released before the album release) and ended with Wise Gal (another song off the new album) with no need for an encore as the whole performance feels like most bands encores as every song on the setlist is phenomenal. Once the world’s situation stabilizes, do yourself a favor and go check out LRW live. Whether it is your feet or the earth beneath them, something will move and you will come away wanting to see more. The whole band is friendly and you can find Lauren and Eduardo at their merchandise booth connecting with the fans giving the vibe that you’ve been their friends for many years. I’m thankful I was present to document this performance and to hopefully give Lauren Ruth Ward fans something to alleviate the delay in live performances across this globe during these turbulent times.
