Blake Mills wears many hats: guitarist, songwriter, producer, composer. It’s no wonder this 28 year old wonder is turning heads in the recording circuit. Having just produced the forthcoming Alabama Shakes album, Mills is now touring in promotion of his own second full-length record Hi Ho released Sept. 16. Recorded at the legendary Ocean Way recording studio in a room also used by the likes of Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Brian Wilson (the list goes on…) “Hi Ho” is an album featuring Mills’ slightly off-kilter style and his true appreciation for timeless and meticulous production. His most well-worn cap is ‘guitarist’ as Blake Mills has mastered his technique of impressive fretwork – impressive enough to be deemed by Eric Clapton as “phenomenal.”
Such prodigious talent sometimes gives way to obnoxious and self-aggrandizing guitar-lickery but Blake Mills and his music were still quite down-to-earth and relatable as he performed the El Rey. The venue was set up with seats which gave the show a more intimate and sophisticated feel and Mills opened the night with “If I’m Unworthy” from his new album. The crowd howled and whooped as the music and chords took shape. Sometimes light, sometimes heavy, Mills continually commanded our attention with every flick of his fingers. Backed by Rob Moose on violin, Sebastian Steinberg on bass, Stuart Johnson on drums, Tyler Chester on Keys and Griffin Goldsmith on percussion, the band slipped into a Joe Tex cover that perfectly complimented Mills’ slightly grainy croon. These musicians were not the only highly-regarded performers Mills had to share with us. Fiona Apple took the stage and performed with Mills’ on a number of songs. Not only did her voice perfectly compliment Mills’, but he noted that she also contributed the female-perspective lyrics at the end of “Don’t Tell Our Friends About Me.” Though Mills’ songs revolve around the usual theme of relationships, he still manages to find new ground lyrically and musically. His songs are emotive and witty, his songwriting is melodic and fluid, and he plays the guitar as if it is an extension of himself. Sitting humbly on a chair with her legs tucked under her, Apple also sang on “Seven” – a country-tinged folk song. As Mills sang and played, Fiona watched him and his hands with reverence. This is clearly a man whose talents never cease to amaze no matter how many times you see him.
One of the most gripping songs of the night was “Under The Underground” which thumped with the rhythm of a slave-song and slapped us with a sharp folky edge. Mills ability to impress seemed to come so naturally – the gorgeous slide-guitar, the earnest vocals, the egoless finger-picking – his musical brain and brawn both in full force. Closing song “Women Knows” burned slowly as he aimed to leave us on a hopeful word, “but if Im right then this is how and when and where love starts.” Mills returned to the stage for one single encore song, another cover that had many couples swaying in each other’s arms to the folk sounds of being in love. The standing ovation proved him to be nothing short of remarkable.
Photographed for Buzzbands.LA
