Live Review: Langhorne Slim and Oliver Wood @ The Birchmere — 1/22/25

The Birchmere has long been celebrated as one of the premier listening rooms for music lovers, and it became the recent setting for an evening of roots music magic. Featuring Oliver Wood, the charismatic frontman of The Wood Brothers, and Langhorne Slim, the endlessly energetic folk-rock troubadour, this double-bill show delivered everything fans could hope for — soulful storytelling, electrifying energy, and heartfelt connection.

As a photographer, fortunate enough to capture the night’s performances, I found myself deeply moved by the artistry and the atmosphere, both of which came alive in the intimacy of the venue and the synergy between these two incredible artists.

At The Birchmere on Jan. 22, the evening opened with Oliver Wood, whose presence on stage was as warm and inviting as his music. Dressed in understated attire, Wood’s charm radiated through his rich vocals and intricate guitar work. From the first strum of “The Blue and the Green,” he had the audience in the palm of his hand. The interplay of his smooth fingerpicking and reflective lyrics set the tone for a set filled with tender moments and soulful grooves.

Highlights included “Strange as It Seems,” a poignant ballad that felt like a private conversation shared with every member of the audience, and “Marianna,” which showcased Wood’s mastery of blending bluesy grit with melodic elegance. When he performed “Little Bit Sweet,” a fan-favorite Wood Brothers song, the room seemed to exhale collectively, as though everyone was soaking in the comfort of familiarity. Wood’s cover of Seth Walker’s “Grab a Hold of Me” was another standout moment, his voice carrying a soulful yearning that resonated deeply. Closing his set with a rollicking rendition of Tommy Johnson’s “Big Road Blues,” Wood’s versatility as an artist was on full display, leaving the crowd both satisfied and eager for what was to come.

Stream Oliver Wood’s latest solo album, Fat Cat Sihlouette, released June 2024 via Honey Jar/Indirecto Records:

Enter Langhorne Slim. If Oliver Wood’s set was a soulful embrace, Langhorne Slim’s performance was a visceral explosion of raw energy. Bounding onto the stage with an acoustic guitar slung across his chest and his trademark gritty vocals at the ready, Slim, wearing a cowboy hat and a thrift shop treasure of a woman’s sequined jacket, quickly ignited the crowd with the fiery “What the Fuck is Going On.” His set was a rollercoaster of emotions, veering from raucous anthems like “We the People (Fuck the Man)” to tender, introspective pieces such as “Song for Sid,” a touching tribute to his late grandfather.

Slim’s connection to the audience was electric. At one point during “The Way We Move,” he ditched the microphone entirely, stepping off the stage and wandering among the crowd. Unplugged but undeniably amplified, his voice soared through the room, the collective energy reaching a fever pitch. It was the kind of moment that can only happen in a venue like The Birchmere, where the barrier between artist and audience feels nonexistent.

But the real magic of the night came during the second half of Slim’s set when Oliver Wood joined him on stage for a series of duets that underscored the profound musical kinship between the two artists. Their rendition of Neil Young’s “Love Is A Rose” was tender and heartfelt, while Bob Dylan’s “Buckets of Rain” shimmered with understated beauty. The duo’s take on Lead Belly’s “Rock Island Line” brought an infectious, foot-stomping energy to the room, blending old-time tradition with modern-day flair.

Stream Langhorne Slim’s most recent solo album, Strawberry Mansion, released in 2021 via Dualtone Music Group:

The evening ended on an exquisite note with Leonard Cohen’s “Tonight Will Be Fine.” Wood and Slim’s voices intertwined in a way that felt almost spiritual, the weight of Cohen’s lyrics amplified by the sincerity of their delivery. It was a performance that left the audience in awe, the final notes lingering in the air like a whispered goodbye.

As a photographer, I found myself not only documenting the evening but truly immersed in it. The Birchmere’s intimate lighting cast warm hues on the performers, creating an atmosphere that felt more like a gathering of friends than a concert. Capturing Oliver Wood’s thoughtful expressions and Langhorne Slim’s boundless energy was a joy, but the real challenge — and reward — was conveying the profound connection both artists had with the audience and with each other.

Ultimately, this night at The Birchmere wasn’t just about the music — it was about the stories, the emotions, and the shared humanity that these two artists brought to the stage. Whether you came as a longtime fan or stumbled in out of curiosity, you left with the sense that you had witnessed something truly special. It’s not every day that two artists of this caliber share a stage, and for those lucky enough to be in the room, it was an evening that will be remembered for years to come.

Enjoy some photographs of Oliver Wood and Langhorne Slim at The Birchmere on Jan. 22, 2025.  All photos copyrighted by and courtesy of Ari Strauss.