Spencer Ludwig at The Echo — Photo by Danielle Gornbein

Spencer Ludwig and Olivia Braga Outshine the Intimate Space at The Echo

Los Angeles had a whirlwind of modern jazz flavors served up on a silver platter last night at The Echo. With Tuesday nights in Los Angeles being the second biggest night for local free shows and residencies, a performance headlined by rising star Spencer Ludwig was quite the special treat.

Getting the crowd warmed up was the petite and talented package, Olivia Braga. From Santa Cruz, this young woman showed her sultry and highly addictive vocal stylings. Backed by her DJ Kat Bulay, the sensual vibe was afire. She insisted on crowd participation and wasn’t going to back down until she got it. Naturally, we gave it to her.

After warming up our senses with Braga’s pleasurable performance, the evening’s main event was about to take place, and the anticipation was thick. Singer, songwriter, producer and trumpet virtuoso–Spencer Ludwig finally took the stage. Recently featured on Grimy Goods as an Artist To Watch in 2017, as well as featured in a recent interview, this 24-year old proved to be the supernova that he has been projected to be.

Spencer Ludwig at The Echo — Photo by Danielle Gornbein

Spencer has shined on stage for many tremendous acts we love like Portugal. the Man and Fitz and the Tantrums, and of course, as a member of Capital Cities for their debut album In A Tidal Wave Of Mystery. What we have now is an emerging artist that has taken his talents to many stages in front of massive festival crowds to small club shows.

With his glistening performance last night at The Echo, Ludwig overflowed with radiant energy. From his glorious trumpet skills, to his slick dance moves and that enticing voice, it was a good thing that Ludwig forewarned the crowd of his plan to party; because party he did. Ludwig’s live performance had pizzazz pouring out from all corners of the stage. His sound was even more explosive with the accompaniment of his own talented group of friends supplying the bodacious sounds coming from the drums, violin, guitar, and backing vocals. They were a super theatrical group, and induced joy for everyone in the crowd.

Ludwig turned a regular ole Tuesday night into a straight up celebration with his extravagant and disco-influenced stylings. Gliding around the stage in his glossy alligator kicks, he pulled the crowd into his vast world of musical talent. With trumpet in hand and always keeping a close distance to the crowd, Ludwig would shift from raging vocals to powerful brass notes. The crowd went wild from start-to-finish. True to his lyrics: “This city is the shit and I’m shutting it down!” And shut it down, Spencer Ludwig did.

Words & Photography: Danielle Gornbein