Review - Eileen Ivers and Immigrant Soul at Cal Tech
November 7th, 2010 1:55 pm PT

Buried in a labyrinth of structures is the elaborate and elegant Beckman Auditorium at California Institute of Technology in Pasadena where, for one night, it will be the home of a brief yet passionate sonic joviality and celebration. That is because Eileen Ivers and her gang, Immigrant Soul, really know how to put on a show. Rightfully so, they’ve been at it for decades; performing alongside more all-star musicians than would fit in this review and all the while honing their craft.

Listen to Ivers’ unique approach to violin and it is apparent how she continues to build momentum similar to that of Rock n Roll Hall of Famers. From lightning fast fiddling that make her hand appear as a blur to tear jerking violin ballads that will have you searching for a tissue, blues drenched riffs that offer a little southern comfort to funk riffs that put the soul in “Immigrant Soul”, seeing Ivers perform is nothing short of cosmically moving. Immigrant Soul knows how to keep an audience entertained with a formula composed of high energy ditties followed by slower numbers, then repeat.

My only grievance is that Ivers feels it necessary to explain the meaning and history behind each song. While not a problem in itself, she can sometimes ramble on tangents in no relation to, well, anything, for a good while before beginning with the next song. Though some find this as a charming personality to the performance, some could do without. Still, audience members will find themselves clapping, stomping, or even dancing along without knowing it before long. These compositions challenge the traditional standard of song form structure, making for an engaging show for music lovers of any genre.