Patty Griffin has created a cult following for years, based on her completely stunning voice, a mix of the country stylings of Emmylou Harris and the soul of Aretha Franklin. Most of her music has been in the country, or alt. country vein, but when she took to the stage at The Paramount Theatre, it was in support of a gospel album.
Downtown Church, Griffin's latest, is full mainly of covers of the wide history of spiritual music, and while it might seem a departure for her, her voice with it's amazing range is perfectly suited to such soaring melodies.
During her performance - after a brilliant blues/country opening set by Buddy Miller, in which Griffin performed for the whole set - she mostly stuck to songs from Church or songs she had written that fit the bill of "spiritual," like the twin high points from Children Running Through, "Heavenly Day," and "Up to the Mountain (MLK Song)."
While it might not seem so based on her music, Griffin has a humble and hilarious stage presence, which she displayed to full effect, cracking jokes about being on a "lapsed Catholic gospel tour," and bantering with an audience that gave all its attention and energy to her, causing her to stop often and make sure it was a Monday night.
The reception for Griffin showed that as long as she is in possession of such a moving voice, it doesn't matter what she sings. If she sings it, they will come.
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