Back in March, Tal Wilkenfeld treated New York City fans to an intimate performance at the Mercury Lounge, as she was getting ready to release Love Remains, an album that marked her emergence as a songwriter and singer beyond her prodigious talents as a musician. She’s since been touring and getting comfortable as the front person and lead singer of a hard-rocking band. This past Friday’s show at Brooklyn Bowl was further proof of Tal’s maturation as a performer. With songs like “Killing Me,” “Corner Painter” and “Pieces of Me” off of Love Remains, her vocals range from powerful to tender. Alternating between bass and acoustic guitars, Tal is equally proficient, as is Owen Barry with whom she trades guitar-bass responsibilities.
“I lived in New York when I moved to the States from Australia,” Tal told the enthusiastic fans who turned out to see her, “but this is the first time I’ve played in Brooklyn.” She was clearly right at home and enjoying herself, her smile lighting up the room. In addition to her own tunes, Tal paid homage to some of her influences with covers of David Bowie’s “Rock n Roll Suicide” and The Who’s “I Can’t Explain.”
Tal Wilkenfeld has always been a quick learner. Discovered in New York by members of the Allman Brothers Band as she was turning 20 years old, she’s already had a career most musicians only dream of. She’s still barely in her thirties, so we’re expecting even more from her in the years ahead. No pressure, Tal.
Check out some photos below from Tal Wilkenfeld’s New York City show courtesy of photographer Lou Montesano.
