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Showcase: Curtis Eller
Highlighting independent artists who deserve your attention and support during the COVID-19 crisis
Curtis Eller is a remarkable banjo player who writes gripping songs tied to history, religion, and the maddening elements of the American dream. Songs with names like “The Heart That Forgave Richard Nixon” and “Battlefield Amputation.” Songs both vivid and vigorous, but also often gloomily funny. Music which summons up much for us to gnaw on.
Since his songbook rests against the sort of broad spectrum of music you might refer to as “Americana,” I’ve often thought that TV shows like Deadwood or Justified have dropped the ball by not featuring his songs—and regularly. (There’s still time Ozark!)
For a great example, here’s Curtis singing “Sweatshop Fire,” which presumably alludes to 1911's infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire in Greenwich Village. As you’ll see, Curtis combines finely-crafted lyrics with a signature banjo playing style, which proves uniquely physical and which always makes for a highly engaging and intimate live show.
