M. Ward Wellmont Concert Cancelled

[Editor's Note: The M Ward concert scheduled for Thursday night at Montclair’s Wellmont Theatre has been cancelled, according to a note appearing on the theater’s website Tuesday.  See full notice below story.]

You almost hate to call M. Ward's hotel, no matter the hour. If his prolific output of the last few years is any indication, the guy needs his sleep. 

Still, afternoon finds him awake and alert and nicely-buzzed from his recent gig at The Newport Folk Festival.

"It went pretty well," said Ward, with affable understatement. "I did a good set and closed it out with Pete Seeger and Emmylou Harris singing with me. Well, maybe 'unforgettable' is a better word for it."

Ward, in his quiet way, can be pretty unforgettable, too.

It's unsurprising that Ward was recently joined by such luminaries on folk music's most hallowed stage. He's becoming one, himself. When he's not being a conduit for scores of others, that is.

Despite his many guises, you're probably starting to get a read on M. Ward by now. This laconic, lyrical singer/songwriter began putting out his low-key, lovely records in 1999. Part Dylan, part Buddy Holly, young, but interested in classic rock, Ward broke through with his 2005 album, "Transistor Radio." Bigger splashes were made by his enchanting collaboration with actress Zooey Deschanel (She and Him) and 2009's "Monsters of Folk" featuring Conor Oberst. 

Ward seems to be everywhere at once, while, in conversation, making it sound as if he did it all between fishing trips. 

Then, there's his interest in Holly and Cash and The Beach Boys. For a guy in his late-30s, it's unsual. What, one wonders, does Ward find in the music of his father's generation?

"I like so much about it," he said. "First of all, the way it was recorded. There's a warmth and reality to analog recording that doesn't exist in today's digital world. But as far as melodies go? The best stuff, like Holly's, was simple. I think people are afraid to be simple when writing today."

Ward reinforces this old-is-better approach when recounting his recent Newport experience. 

"When I did my gig, it was just me and my acoustic guitar. I couldn't help noticing how attentive everyone was. That made me focus and play better, too. That's what I mean about simple things working so effectively."

Asked if there's anyone new he's been listening to who gives him the same jolt as his heroes, Ward mentions The Secret Sisters.

"They were on the bill with me at Newport, although I've heard them before. They're two sisters who sing close harmony, like The Everly Brothers and they were produced by T Bone Burnett. I can't say enough about them. Great songs, one guitar and no special effects. Just the way music should be."

Ward will be on the road well into September, mixing solo dates with those where he's joined by accompanying band (and rising stars) Dawes. And as we finish our talk, he can't stop (quietly) raving about Pete Seeger, the man he shared the stage with at Newport. Seeger is an American legend, a survivor of every musical trend imaginable, not to mention more than one political witchhunt aimed at outspoken artists.  You get the feeling, what he stands for, is something Ward hopes to attain someday.

"It was amazing being on stage with Pete. He's, what, 92? He's still sharp and spry and agile. He has a great sense of humor. He's been doing this, for, like, 75 years. Okay, he's really got a God-given talent, that not everybody has. But in any case? To those of us just getting warmed up? He's really an inspiration."

 

CANCELLATION NOTICE FROM THE WELLMONT WEBSITE:

Due to the promoter's cancelation of the planned Music To Know Festival in East Hampton this weekend, M Ward has been forced to bow out of the East Coast leg of his current tour including The Wellmont Theatre date on Aug 11th. Matt Ward expressed his regret at the cancelations: "I'm extremely disappointed that Music To Know has been canceled. Without the funding we can't make the trip out there. We sincerely apologize to everyone who had already bought tickets. We'll be back as soon as we can." Refunds for The Wellmont Theatre show are available at point of purchase. For refunds on MTK Festival tickets check - http://www.musictoknow.com/ for details