Pokey LaFarge Drifting Our Way

By Sarah Cobarrubias in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 3, 2010 7:40PM

Pokey LaFarge is a man of the road. Born in Benton, Illinois, the American roots troubadour took off at age 18 and took on a drifter’s life, hitchhiking across the country and playing street corners for pocket change. And now that he makes his home in St. Louis, Missouri, he seems to spend just as much time on the road, non-stop touring and playing his bluesy, ragtime music for anyone who’ll listen. LaFarge just returned home from a six-week European tour and is already heading out for another, this time trekking the states in support of his latest album, Riverboat Soul, and making a stop at Schubas November 21.

But LaFarge isn’t touring alone. He’s bringing along his backing band, the South City Three, who fill out his old-timey music - a blend of delta blues, Appalachia string, ragtime, and swing - with upright bass, slide guitar, harmonica, and backing vocals. Riverboat Soul is LaFarge’s first album as part of an ensemble, which is probably why it’s his most successful. The album is composed of a few traditional songs, like “Old Black Dog” and “Sweet Potato Blues,” but most are originals based on his experiences on the road. For example, “Hard Times Come and Go” mixes ragtime with a contemporary theme, as LaFarge howls lyrics about the economic crisis over frenzied, fast-plucked strings. And perhaps our favorite, “Claude Jones” is a vaudeville-inspired tune about a Virginia bootlegger, jazzed up with kazoo, tambourine, handclaps, and rambling lyrics.

LaFarge’s live performance is an experience steeped in early American tradition, due in part to his quirky persona. He seems to have completely immersed in early 20th century culture, and his usual attire includes a bow tie and a porkpie hat, like he just stepped out of a 1920s barbershop. His stage presence is low-key, perhaps because he’s too busy plucking his guitjo (a six-string banjo with a guitar neck) and toggling between harmonica and kazoo to get in on the knee-slapping dance frenzy he and his trio incite. And his live vocals are potent and penetrating in a way that a recording just can’t capture. Of course, LaFarge’s old-timey music won’t satisfy everyone’s taste, so check out this video for Riverboat Soul's opening track, “La La Blues,” before you pick up your tickets. Opening acts are to be announced.

Pokey LaFarge and the South City Three play Sunday, November 21 at Schubas Tavern, 3159 N Southport, 8 p.m., $8, 21+