Eleanor Friedberger played City Winery – 2/16

Singer/songwriter and one-time half of The Fiery Furnaces Eleanor Friedberger played an early show at Boston’s newest venue earlier this month. 

Friedberger might still be best known for the avant-indie-pop of the band she co-fronted with her brother, but in recent years she’s released a strong trio of solo records that showcase her sharp lyricism and ear for melody in more straightforward fashion. A fourth LP is on the way in May, and we got a handful of those new songs during her City Winery set. Alternating from solo electric guitar to backing tracks, Friedberger captivated with a conversational, no-frills set that suited its dinner club setting better than I expected.

City Winery is a new dinner-and-a-show addition to the Boston concert venue-scape that aims for upscale, with booking that leans toward established folk, Americana and classic rock-adjacent acts. This was my first time checking out the downtown spot (it’s a short walk from the Haymarket T stop), and while it certainly felt odd to have seated table service during a show, especially when one is accustomed to yelling over other people’s shoulders for a drink in a dimly-lit rock club, the experience was a pleasant one. Friedberger played the more intimate second room, but I’m looking forward to returning for something in the main hall soon.

A few shots from the set below.