MARBLEHEAD — Harvey Reid and Joyce Andersen form a rare and versatile musical partnership, combining the best of American virtuoso instrumental work with razor-sharp harmony singing and a captivating stage presence. They will be joined by percussionist extraordinaire Dave Mattacks for a special performance tonight at the me&thee coffeehouse, at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St. The show begins at 8 p.m.
Andersen and Reid have combined to create one of the most potent duo teams in acoustic music. They are both gifted instrumentalists, strong and versatile singers, prolific songwriters, and are comfortable in a dizzying array of styles of roots and Americana music. They jump from showstopping Celtic jigs and old-time fiddle tunes to house-shaking blues rockers, soaring gospel duets, and achingly beautiful ballads. Reid’s acoustic and slide guitar work make a perfect backdrop for Andersen’s powerful fiddling, and they take turns on lead and harmony vocals to showcase a large and interesting repertoire of original, traditional and contemporary music. They have brought audiences to their feet at folk and bluegrass festivals, clubs, coffeehouses and concert halls across the U.S. and in Europe and have released 32 albums between them.
Mattacks is one of the most respected drummers in the music world. His résumé is almost too incredible to be true. His discography includes CDs and tours with Paul McCartney, Elton John, George Harrison, Jimmy Page, Sandy Denny, XTC, Jethro Tull, Brian Eno, Nick Drake, Cat Stevens, Loudon Wainwright and many others. He was a member of the influential band Fairport Convention for many years and is part of local group KBMG (Dan King, David Brown, Dave Mattacks and Wolf Ginandes).
Tickets are $20 in advance and $23 at the door. Student tickets are $10. Tickets are available online at www.meandthee.org. As at all me&thee coffeehouse events, refreshments are available, including homemade pastries, coffee, and teas. The me&thee has a handicapped-accessible entrance and an accessible bathroom and it is a smoke-free environment and easily reached by MBTA bus.
Next concert on Friday, Sept. 21: Marblehead’s own Hayley Reardon, with Ben Higginbotham opening.
