Few indie-songwriters venture into the world of ballet. Yet, Portland singer-songwriter Nick Jaina was the musical director for two of them, Warehouse under the Hudson (2012) and Epistasis (2011).
But Jaina, performing at Anno Domini on February 22, is actually quite an accessible alternative-folk singer, who weaves in elements of pop and jazz, in his own music. His lyrics are simple, yet poetic, and he’s a favorite amongst indie music fans in Portland.
Jaina is an underrated master at creating deep meaning by painting little scenes with his words. They can be enjoyed in the gentle folk-pop-package they are delivered in, or can be dissected for their insight into the human condition. It’s tempting to call him one of those “literary” artists that the Decembrists or the Weakerthans get accused of being, and while he is in the same realm as them, he doesn’t stuff a bunch of words or overtly large ideas into his songs; he writes a lot of open-ended conversational stanzas that may not seem like much at first, but leave a lasting impression the way a good short story does.
This tour he will be accompanied by Bay Area string players Danah Olivetree (Fox & Woman, etc) and Dorota Szuta (Matador).
Nick Jaina (The Uncanny Valley of the Heart’s Delight #8)
Anno Domini
Fri, 7pm, $8
.Uncanny Valley Returns to Anno Domini with Nick Jaina
