Sara and I attended and thoroughly enjoyed The Swell Season concert last night in Cleveland. For those that don’t know the Swell Season are Glen Hansard (of the band The Frames) and Marketa Irglova, most known for their involvement and songs in the movie ONCE.

It was a really great mix of Swell Season/Once tunes, as well as some brand new material interspersed with covers (Van Morrison and a cover of one of the songs from the 1970’s Scottish musical “wicker man”), and some Irish singalongs. Hansard and Irglova were frequently backed by Glen’s band The Frames, but periodically would do songs just the 2 of them or completely solo.

Hansard was in an extremely good mood, and both he and Irglova would go into detailed stories/explanations before each song. Hansard began the show with just his guitar singing out “say it to me now” without any amplification coming to the front of the stage, and the ended the show as one enormous band: the swell season, the frames, the opening band, as well as joined by their roadies on the Irish singalong “the old triangle” getting the crowd to belt out the chorus as well. Through it all tunes were met with Hansard’s infectious passion and Irglova’s sweet vocals.

It was a terrific evening. If you are a fan of Hansard’s many projects they are coming to Columbus to play at the Palace Theater on September 22nd. It will be a great show.