Stoned at the Cemetery

It’s not what you think.

A few nights ago, I was lucky enough to venture through the gates of Hollywood Forever, a gorgeous cemetery in the heart of Hollywood. I meandered my way past gravestones, caged peacocks and an antique Rolls Royce, climbed the stairs of an old Masonic lodge, and bore witness to such glorious, inspired creativity that I am compelled to share my new musical obsession… Angus & Julia Stone.

If you’ve never heard of them, take a moment now to listen. PLEASE.

Their music is ethereal, idiosyncratic, poignant, profound, and just hell o’ gorgeous.

In addition, they are the most charming, Australian, brother-and-sister sensations I’ve ever heard. Not to mention, more talented than my simple mind can comprehend.

photo by Jen Castle

During the set to which I raptly listened, Julia blissfully played guitar, harmonica, piano, and trumpet in addition to singing with a clarity and emotional integrity that left me envious of her talent, honored by her willingness to share her gifts and hungry for more. Her brother, Angus, was equally mesmerizing while displaying his vocal abilities and skills on the guitar, harmonica and trumpet. He was charmingly bashful about the trumpet playing, since he normally plays the trombone.

SERIOUSLY.

via Jen Castle Photography

The concert was held in a high-ceilinged hall within the Masonic Lodge. Wooden beams criss-crossed above our heads, huge chandeliers dangling from their intersect points. Intricately carved, high-backed chairs lined the back of the stage. Lit candelabra augmented the magical essence of the space. Together, these details created an ambiance of suspense and intimacy that perfectly matched the energy of Angus and Julia. Three supporting musicians ably filled out their sound with drums, base and electric guitar on many of the songs, but the Stones earned all of my attention.

Julia told honest, amusing, rambling stories about a few of the songs. She also did this thing with her hands, as she grooved to the sounds she so transparently adores, that had me equal parts spell-bound and wondering why I don’t have the courage to do that when I dance in public. I completely understood her impulses. And I’d be shocked if fewer than half the audience members didn’t consider, at one point or another, whether they could bundle her up and steal her away to make her their best friend or lover. Any time spent with one or both of the Stone siblings would be utterly delightful – a flat out GOOD TIME. They were just that damn likable!

On a night when much of America was watching the outcome of the nation’s feverish 1-866 dialing skills and Simon Fuller’s marketing magic, I sat with a friend and a few hundred eclectic music fans to experience a level of talent and unbridled joy that uniformly took our breath away. I must thank my favorite (and only) radio station for making tickets available to KCRW members. And my lucky stars for letting me win them.

Now, I hope you take some time to explore Angus and Julia Stone’s music. I expect you just may fall in love with it as quickly as I did!

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