Nefesh Mountain: Live at Swallow Hill
Dusky light billowed through the pale yellow, stained-glass windows of Swallow Hill this past Saturday night. The historic venue, rich in folk music history, welcomed a full house. The undeniably tight-knit community reflected a palpable warmth as the sun set slowly over the Denver suburbs. Aisleway lamps draped the audience in a soft glow in the chapel style venue as Rabbi Joe Black neared their performance—opening for the lovely, free-spirited Nefesh Mountain.
The audience chatter ceases, a breath to a flame, as a gentle whisper of acoustic guitar rushes from Rabbi Joe Black and pools into the space. Like a caressing wind through grassy fields, this group’s soothing harmonies calm the weary heart with a twangy nod to bluegrass; soulful piano and bluesy keys add to the ambiance. Their set ends like a breezy highway cruise, the rhythmic rattle of tambourine stirring the crowd before Nefesh Mountain takes center stage for the evening.
Not leaving an adoring crowd waiting long, Nefesh Mountain floats onto stage adorned in Rocky Mountain fervor—boots, fringe, and ornate southwestern patterns embossed on button downs. New York power couple Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff greet the room gently before introducing the band. Soon after, an echo of hand claps entangles the crowd as Zasloff launches into their opening tune; a sound resembling a train rolling through the mountainside, brakes cut. Fiddle player Carson McHaney’s hands dance effortlessly upon the fingerboard, bow gliding feverishly. The night is aflame, guns a-blazin’ as drummer, David Berger, renders jazzy fills and Danny Fox creates a gospel-esque mood on keys.
The tone shifts as the band introduces a song called “Better Angels”, a song off their newest album “Beacons”. Syrupy upright bass notes ripple like stones tossed in a lake during a solo moment for Andrew Ryan. A toe tapping, head bobbing anthem follows suit. The lyrics hum with a powerful undertone—an aching desire for the unification of people. You close your eyes and envision the intertwining of hands; a deep, hopeful yearning for a better world. Rickety chimes stream from mandolin player Dylan McCarthy and the shaky strumming on Lindberg’s guitar pulls at our heartstrings. Piano notes frolic in the backdrop as the fiddle continues howling into the night.
Sinking further into the show, Lindberg’s warm vocals elicit the comfort of a campfire, while Zasloff’s passion climbs from her very core and graces the audience. A spiritual aura arising from the depths of despair, capturing the crowd’s soul. The mountainside ride continues, weaving through jagged rocks. Jazz piano flickers amidst the pitter-patter of drumsticks tapping away at the snare—a locomotive chugging along. Zasloff continues to express a common theme: hope for the future despite painful histories and uncertain roads ahead. She gestures as if cranking up the car radio and suggests we continue on with as much love and positivity as possible.
Bubbling bass gives way to the bone-rattling rumble of Lindberg’s electric strings as the band shows off a more rock n’ roll style—a song that nods to the relatable urge to run from deep-rooted societal pressures. Zasloff swishes her denim colored skirt, tan boots tapping along, as McCarthy sweetly plucks away at mandolin strings. There’s an air of easiness cascading in waves over everyone. Carefree percussive grooves naturally propel bodies into motion. Lindberg and Zasloff belt lyrics, their smooth voices harmoniously blending into a passionate serenade.
You’re once again confronting your bleeding, raw emotions as they introduce a song called “What Kind of World”, written for their three-year- old daughter. They explain the polarization between the innocence of a baby girl and the brutal nature of the world we live in. A slow trickle of piano notes, soft clasp of cymbals, dampened mallet percussion, and bittersweet sounds spilling from McHaney’s bow. This thought-provoking tune evokes a tension that pulls at us all. Powerhouse couple Lindberg and Zasloff unleash their aching hearts and leave room for us to feel it all.
Deep thought lifts into lighthearted joy as luscious jam band moments traverse the aisles of the venue. A euphonic wall of sound erupts, the calm-natured eye of the storm fading. The artfully precise plucking of guitar strings couples with heartfelt lyrics; tumbling percussion like rolling stones down a cliffside. A mystic element of the desert reveals itself as Lindberg breathes life into slide guitar riffs. A dream of Zasloff materializes as everyone rises to their feet, loosening burdensome shackles, and begins to dance. A blissful, weightless kind of love glides about as Nefesh Mountain closes out their set—cups overflowing.
In a special treat to end the evening, Nefesh Mountain welcomes Rabbi Joe Black back to the stage to perform one last song. A honeyed golden light radiates from the audience when they recognize the tune: “The Weight” by The Band. Looking around, there are endless smiles and people giddily singing along to the age-old classic.
As venue lights lift, there’s a patch over the once hole in your soul. You’re left feeling revitalized after an evening meant to inspire and create goodness in the world.
All images taken by Zachary Bair
Instagram: @zachbairphotography
