LP shines for adoring fans at El Rey Theatre

LP at El Rey – Photo: ZB Images

One of the more magical things about Los Angeles is you never know when that friend of a friend, who plays little venues and drops in as a guest on residencies, is suddenly going to get the recognition so many in this talented city deserve. Before you know it they are making late night TV appearances and playing venues like the El Rey. Such is the case with singer songwriter extrodinare LP, who was welcomed with open arms by her adoring (adopted) hometown fans Monday night. Success is rarely a straight shot and what might seem like an overnight sensation; often times takes far too many years of dedication, persistence and perhaps a healthy dose of non-rational stubbornness. Those years of song crafting have clearly paid off for LP. It only takes one listen to know why LP’s latest album Lost On You has gained international acclaim. Soul touching lyrics, an operatic singing range and a world class whistle, infiltrate all of LP’s songs but the album’s title track incorporates them into a song that has to have always existed somewhere in our collective subconscious it’s just that good. LP was transformed on the larger stage compared to the shy withdrawn LP we’ve seen on smaller LA stages. She was engaging and her tiny frame felt commanding and confident. Her fans clamored to touch her outstretched hands as she tightroped on the very edge of the stage; climbing on lighting rigs ala Vedder and at one point sitting amongst the crowd who could not stop screaming their love as they sang along to every well carved lyric. It’s onwards and upwards for LP, and like so many others we will miss the days we could pop into a free local LA show and witness her world class talents.

Opening for LP were Josiah and The Bonevilles. He played solo, so the “Bonevilles” weren’t exactly there. Lauren Ruth Ward also performed as a supporting act. Two super talents in their own right. Josiah is everything you could hope for in a singer/songwriter. He is charming and funny with a gift for distilling his experiences with failed relationships and career struggles into pure, light hearted, familiar feeling melodies.

Lauren Ruth Ward was a tiny ball of pure spiritual power as she exorcised demons transforming heartbreak into triumph through what must be some sort of musical mysticism. All in all, Monday night was a great showcase of how you can not take the human element out of great songwriting and how important and unifying music can be.

Photography & Words: ZB Images