The Spares Preview

The Spares
Westminster Church, Elgin
Sunday, February 18, 2007

Chemical engineering as a prerequisite for a career in country music almost seems laughable, but for Jodee Lewis the trajectory of her shift from science to the rough and tumble world of DIY tours and albums is anything but. Wonder if she ever wowed her colleagues with her crystalline voice while applying skills most of us forgot after sophomore year physical science class?

Lewis found a kindred spirit in journalist Steve Hendershot and The Spares were born in 2004. The Chicago-based duo released their debut, Hand Me Down, in 2005 and earned a best country song award for “Mexico” from the International Academy Of Independent Artists. Their latest release, *Beautiful And Treacherous Thing*, fuses country, Americana, and roots music together to form a serenely intoxicating sound anchored by Lewis’ vocals. Part Dolly Parton and verging on a Mindy Smith clone (even down to the Jesus-centered song, “Jesus I Long For Thee”), Lewis’ delicate phrasing and ability to elicit many moods within a verse adds heft to the everyman themes of the brokenhearted lyrics.

As Lewis’ foil, Hendershot plays his role well. Co-writer, background vocalist, and adept finger-picker, this newsman provides Lewis with sturdy support so she can launch herself out there as the visible emotional core of the band.

The Spares aren’t breaking any new ground with Beautiful And Treacherous Thing, but quality isn’t synonymous with revolutionary.

— Janine Schaults

Category: Stage Buzz, Weekly