Photos and Article by Andrew Kopanski
Cambridge, MA – Noah Gundersen has released a steady stream of albums over the past few years, each a progressive evolution. From his debut to his 2019 release Lover, he’s worked in layers of sound on top of the raw acoustic performances he first introduced fans to in 2014 with his debut album. Lover sees Gundersen develop his electronic prowess while still remaining deeply personal and emotional. Behind many of the catchy tunes lies a serious story for anyone willing to take a closer listen.
Jonny G is one of the talented Gundersen clan and a highly talented musician in his own right. He’s by himself in the center of the stage with an electric guitar, playing slow methodical notes with heavy reverb echoing throughout the room. His singing is paced to match. His music is as much stories as song as he sings about life growing up, hardship, and writer’s block. The audience is respectfully silent, letting his voice carry from the stage.
Noah Gundersen opens with “Robin Williams,” also the the first track from his new album. It’s a somber yet beautiful reflection on life as he plays with his traditional acoustic guitar. He switches often, between singing, keyboard, and electric guitar, showing how much he’s evolved as a musician. For the four band members all but the drummer has their own keyboard station available, just showing the complexity in his new music. For all of this flashiness though, the star is still Gundersen himself with his bold powerful voice front and center.
He slows it down for a solo acoustic rendering of the fan favorite “Jesus, Jesus” while joking to the audience that it isn’t one of his favorite songs but “you fans seem to like it, so, here it goes!” to loud applause. It’s this candid writing and sharing style that’s earned him such passionate fans and it’s wonderful to see him pay tribute to them.
Noah Gundersen’s tour continues through next year, be sure to check him out at a stop near you!
