Having released four critically acclaimed albums since 2012, Jessica Pratt’s latest “Here in the Pitch” has elevated the San Franciscan’s bewitching folk music to a wider audience. At her recent sold-out show at Toronto’s venerable (and soon-to-be shuttered) Phoenix Concert Theatre, attendees not only squeezed in side-by-side to hear her hushed, otherworldly croon, they gasped in awe at the start of each new song including “Poly Blue”, “Life Is” and “Back Baby”. Pratt’s band, consisting of her own guitar and inimitable voice, also included Riley Fleck on drums, Nico Liebman on bass, Al Carloson on sax, and Matt McDermot on keyboards (who doubles as Pratt’s real life partner). Somewhat aloof with her stage presence, Pratt nevertheless was commanding in the way her sound echoed throughout the storied walls of the Phoenix (giving me instant deja vu as to when I saw similarly-voiced Joanna Newsom 14 years earlier). 
Simple, yet beautiful, Pratt played an hour-long set with material inflected with the ghosts of 60’s pop, 70’s chamber folk, and even a dash of bossa nova. Although intimate, her music spoke volumes. The singer will continue her tour in the USA in the coming weeks with show dates in New York and Los Angeles so check your local listings for concerts near you. Please enjoy the photo gallery just below of Jessica Pratt performing live in Toronto on September 17th, 2024. For additional photos and future updates on Jessica Pratt, be sure to follow her on Instagram @jpblues.
Article & Photos By Myles Herod (@herodhimself)
