Mama’s Broke brought their unique brand of righteous folk infused rage, masked in sorrow laden bluegrass music, to Owl Music Parlor in Brooklyn this past Sunday evening. Originally from Nova Scotia, Amy Lou Keeler and Lisa Maria regaled the intimate sold out venue with a bevy of rustic instruments in pristine condition, despite Mama’s Broke calling the road their home.The Twin Peaks lodge aesthetic of Owl Music Parlor, complemented the rag-and-bone sentiment of the duo perfectly.

Even the mics looked as if they were plucked from a 1950’s Nashville Grand Ole Opry broadcast. While Lisa Maria’s haunting fiddle work and impeccable mandolin finger picking was impressive enough, she simultaneously provided seated percussion with her boots that would make any company member of Riverdance jealous. Keeler gracefully took on acoustic guitar, banjo, and even fiddlesticks duties. Besides their instrumental prowess, the most captivating part of the performance was their rich yet effortless harmonies.  The way Maria and Keeler communicate on stage feels as if the audience is bearing witness to the development of a new language. 

Warming up the audience for Mama’s Broke, was the interpersonal stylings of Marty O'Reilly on a bellowing steel resonator guitar. O'Reilly was able to break the ice with his endearingly shy yet vulnerable presence. A quick game of “find my lost bottleneck slide” with the audience helped as well. While his “folk with a backbone” tunes could easily fit on Led Zeppelin 3, I found O’Reilly’s voice to be reminiscent of an honest and authentic version of the Kings of Leon or Rag'n'Bone Man. O’Reilly concluded with a cover of Woody Guthrie and was joined by Emily Brown, (who will headlining The Owl in January) for a stirring cover of Chocolate Jesus by Tom Waits. 

Both Mama’s Broke and Marty O’Reilly serenaded us with music for vagabonds and barnstormers. Music for those who understand how to harness the anger surrounding despair and powerlessness, and turn it into a positive outlet. Their sophomore album, 2022’s Narrow Line brought potent tracks such as Just Pick One and October’s Lament that dealt with the despair of the pandemic era and Keeler’s sobriety journey respectively. At times singing through gritted teeth, Keeler and Maria’s passionate fervor was evident throughout their entire set. 

Check out Mama's Broke: Tiny Desk Concert on NPR Music, to get a taste of the sheer brilliance they are able to channel.

Review & Photos by: Jay Bartell

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