Toubab Krewe has no shortage of enthusiasts in Asheville. But fans of exotic pop music have more than one reason to catch the band’s Jan. 19 performance (part of a two-night run) at The Orange Peel.
Adron (Atlanta-based singer-songwriter Adrienne McCann) melds world influences and classic American sounds in a way that’s as easily digestible as it is culturally-rich. Sunny Brazilian melodies and complex African rhythms simmer in Adron’s love for earnest singer-songwriters of the ‘70s and her background as a classically-trained pianist. The resulting sound is as natural and timeless as the traditional Appalachian music that permeates the streets of Asheville. Bands oft tout their “genre-defying” styles, but Adron embodies the reality of that weary cliché in the best way. It’s an infectious blend of indie pop, Brazilian Tropicália, whimsical folk, jazz and psychedelia with just enough familiarity to leave listeners with a taste of nostalgia. And, for a young songwriter who grew up in Chicago, the global influence is remarkably authentic (Adron even sings in Portuguese and French on occasion).
The instrumentation is as diverse as Adron’s sound, utilizing everything from Moog synthesizers and harpsichord to flute and marimba (in addition to standard instruments like guitar, bass and drums). From her style to her arrangements, the whole thing is pretty off the map, but Adron seems unconcerned with following any worn path. And that’s exactly why her sound is so refreshing.
Adron opens the second night of Toubab Krewe’s two-night residency at The Orange Peel on Saturday, Jan. 19. 9 p.m. $16.
