Phosphorescent Play Last Show of the Year in New York

Fresh off an exuberant appearance on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' the day before (replete with a horn section), Phosphorescent were riding high Friday night (Dec. 10) as they took the stage at Bowery Ballroom in New York City.

Front man Matthew Houck walked on with a small white and brown spotted dog in his arms, the band began to play, and Houck casually began the evening's entertainment as if the venue were his own back porch in the Georgia backwoods. As he finished up a powerful and heart-breaking version of 'Los Angeles,' he passed the dog to someone offstage and returned to the microphone. "I had to wrangle that dog to write that song," he joked. "He did a pretty good job."

A wise-man once said never underestimate the value of a good piano player/backup vocalist, and Scott Stapleton fits the bill. Stapleton's rollicking, old school rock n' roll-inspired work on the ivories adds spice and a touch of Jerry Lee Lewis to Houck's country-rock alt sensibilities. The two often find themselves almost sparring, as they lock into a jam, and strip the paint off the walls.

Houck hovered around Stapleton, urging him on, as Stapleton pounded fervently on the keys, his long hair flew about as he banged his head to the beat. And, the fun they generate is contagious, the audience deeply enjoyed the warmth generated from the slow burn on stage, a respite from the bone cold chill outside.

After an energetic and emotionally powerful set, Phosphorescent exited the stage, and Matthew Houck came back holding his guitar for a few solo encores.

Sometimes, if you're lucky, the stars align and a perfect musical moment pops up like a long, lost friend. As Houck began to play Bob Dylan's 'Tomorrow Is A Long Time,' it quickly became apparent that such a moment was unfolding. And, soon enough, Houck was joined by Scott Stapleton for a passionate and definitive version of 'When We Fall' from their 2004 EP 'The Weight of Flight.' Their voices intertwined and meshed to become one, the stripped down arrangement augmented only by a sparse guitar and a touch of a keyboard. It was a nice way to end the night. The audience swooned and smiled, soaking it all in before heading back out into the darkness of the coming winter.

Whether it was the casual and comforting atmosphere brought on by knowing they were at the end of a long tour that included having their band gear stolen and mysteriously returned, or simply a moment of perfection caught in flight by a group of skilled musicians, Houck and Phosphorescent were visibly content. "We've been on tour all year, and this is our last show," Houck said toward the end of the night. "We're happy to be here. And, happy you're here, too."

Watch Phosphorescent on 'Late Show with David Letterman'