Recording: John Millard

Artist: John Millard

Song: Dutch Boys

Recorded at Burdock Music Hall, December 17, 2015.

John Millard - Dutch Boys

In bringing his avant-chamber-folk Cluttertones ensemble to the Burdock, Rob Clutton chose a couple opening acts that reflected opposing aspects of the band's sound. Germaine Liu's solo percussion set hinted at the project's abstract and experimental aspects, while John Millard represented tuneful songcraft. I first encountered Millard this summer as one of the singers in The Melancholiac's Scott Walker tribute ensemble, but he has a long track record both as a solo performer as well in groups such as the Polka Dogs (the latter of which included Tiina Kiik and Ambrose Pottie, both also known for their work in the city's improvised music community). Millard's set mixed songs with engaging stories, giving a chance to see how the incidents he recounted were refined into the songs' sharpened edges.