Keren Ann – My Name is Trouble

Keren Ann played a live show at Yoshi’s in San Francisco last night where she eschewed a full band in favor of just her guitar and jazz trumpet player Avishai Cohen.

But rather than feeling like anything was lacking, the duo created a remarkable sound with the singer’s reverb-heavy electric guitars merging magnificently with the effects-laden trumpet that recalled Miles Davis’ funky wah-wah stylings on his 1986 album, Tutu.

You felt sure that the lack of backing beats would diminish the dance-friendly My Name is Trouble – the lead track from her latest album, 101. In fact, the stripped-back performance served to highlight Keren Ann’s honeyed voice, while her exceptional guitar playing added all the rhythmic impetus the song needed.

For a reminder of how effortlessly cool the disco-tinged recorded version is, check it out below. But if you get the chance to catch a Keren Ann show, don’t miss out on a unique live experience.

Keren Ann - My name is trouble by kerenann