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| Amy Helm |
Amy Helm was born
and raised in a musical conclave in Woodstock, New York. Her father, the late Levon Helm, was the drummer in the Band, her mother was singer-songwriter Libby Titus and her stepfather was Donald Fagen of Steely Dan. As a teenager, she played her first show in a Manhattan
bar, then sang and played in several other bands until joining her father's
band, the Midnight Ramblers, for 10
years. Her father passed away in 2012, and she is now leading Amy Helm & the Handsome Strangers
with guitarist Dan Littleton,
bassist Byron Isaacs and drummer David Berger. After three albums with
the alt-country collective Ollabelle,
her first solo album, Didn't It Rain,
was released on July 24, 2015.
Headlining at the Drom
two nights after opening for Dr. John
in Central Park, Helm showed that the roots of her music remain close to those
of her father. As a formidable singer-songwriter, her lyrics explored the timeless
themes of life, love and loss. The format of the catalogue pivoted largely on traditional
folk and country, but stretched generously into blues and gospel. Helm played
mandolin on a few songs, and sang soulfully and expressively whether the song simmered
on bluegrass or rhythm and blues. Littleton played an acoustic guitar but
curiously made it sound like an electric guitar; he and Berger brought the rock
jam sound to many of the up-tempo songs. In all, Helm's heartfelt singing, choice
of material and arrangements drew by the buckets from the many streams of
Americana. Given proper exposure, Helm may revitalize the Woodstock sound.
Helm will perform with Ollabelle at City Winery on September 3. In the
meantime, visit Amy Helm at www.amyhelm.com.
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