Last Minute Plans: Basia Bulat At Schubas

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Feb 23, 2010 5:20PM

Canadian singer-songwriter Basia Bulat has a distinct sound - a mixture of both Celtic and traditional English folk with hints of gospel, country and chamber. She’s been immersed in music her whole life, spending her childhood listening to oldies like Motown and the Beach Boys, playing the piano since age three, and grasping a bouquet of various instrument, among them the upright bass, guitar, banjo, ukulele and autoharp. Oh, if only we could all grow up with a music teacher as a mother.

Her new album, Heart of My Own, was released just last month. She wrote most of the album on the road while touring between Australia, Canada, Europe and the U.S. Obviously inspired by her travels and the loneliness of the road, she created a collection of songs that sound something like a pleasant heartache. The first single off this album, “Gold Rush,” is a gorgeous, vigorous piece showing off Bulat’s unmistakable voice - vibrato, confident and soulful - backed up by harmonic vocals, staccato violin and her brother, Bobby, fervently beating a drum set. And “Sugar and Spice,” is just right for anyone agonizing over lost love, with Bulat singing desperate lyrics like, “Oh, oh, oh, how I’ve done myself in,” over graceful, fluttering harp chords and the resonant cries of a fiddle.

Her style of folk and distinct, tremolo vocals may require a particular taste to appreciate, but if you don’t hate her, you’ll love her. Decide for yourself; “Gold Rush” is free for download through Bulat’s official site. She’s currently touring in support of Heart of My Own as well as writing new songs for her next album, and she’ll be at Schubas tonight. Her warm, inviting sound is just right for cozying up with a dark lager in our favorite Lakeview tavern and escaping from the late February gloom.

Basia Bulat plays tonight, February 23 at Schubas, 3159 N Southport, 9 p.m., $10, 21+