By DONNA BALANCIA
Lauren Ruth Ward brought a piece of rock heaven to The Echo last night in launching her monthlong residency and album Well, Hell.
It was more like a wild party with some serious energy as Ward was joined by Liv Slingerland, Yip Yops and Ramonda Hammer.
A Modern-Day Janis Joplin
Ward is like a modern-day Janice Joplin, her road-worn raspy vibrato conjuring up all sorts of travels across the dusty countryside. She’s lean but not mean as she takes over the whole stage when she performs, roaming up and down with arms outstretched to her much appreciated fans. Check out her Facebook Page.
‘Well, Hell’ Drops Feb. 9
“You guys get me going,” she said as she launched into song after song including a new one you can check out here.
Her new album, Well, Hell, comes drops Feb. 9 and she has a one-month-long residency at The Echo where her fans came out to see her despite imminent threat of rain last night.
Check it out on Spotify:
Liv Slingerland and company opened the evening with an upbeat set.
Yip Yops support Lauren Ruth Ward
The Yip Yops blew the house away with their odd and excitable performance. Glittery gold, blue and red shirts on the guys and a shimmery dress on the keyboardist made for a reflective night. The band only gets better and better, although Yip Yops did put on a good performance at Echo Park Rising last summer.
Ison Van Winkle the frontman and songwriter co-founded the band with bassist Jacob Gutierrez and drummer Ross Murakami in 2013. Mari Brossfield came in shortly after, adding keyboards and opera-style vocals.
We missed Ramonda Hammer because we had to leave after the Ward set but we’ll catch Hammer on the flip side. What we did not miss was the peculiar and random but extremely entertaining moments from Dogman.
The residency program at The Echo has brought into the spotlight some of LA’s most important young performers including FEELS, and last month Shannon Lay.
Lauren Ruth Ward setlist:
Sideways
Valhalla
Staff Only
Be Good
Did I Offend You
Make Love To Myself
Duke
Well, Hell
