Performers collaborate for tour

Haley Drais and Caleb Caudle preformed at the Acoustic Coffee House on March 13. While both usually perform solo, the two separate acts currently are on a one-year tour together across the country which began in Nashville. Both were true to their Nashville characters, sporting cowboy hats and boots.

Caudle preformed first. His act featured a guitar, harmonica and strong honest voice — occasionally accompanied by Drais’ weeping violin and gentle harmonies. Caudle sang true country blues. His lyrics were solemn and homegrown. They had a ring that caused the audience to gaze on longingly as they mulled over the meaning of his lyrics during his guitar interludes.

Caudle ended on a strong note with an Americana power ballad. As his voice reverberated through the Acoustic Coffee House, Drais took the stage after a brief transition. She traded her violin for a guitar and began playing small rhythms and harmonies that she looped behind her throughout the set.

With a much more luminous tone than the previous act, Drais was the sunrise to Caudle’s solemn and pale night. Instrument after instrument, the songs began to slowly build, taking on a brighter and pop-ish feel, though she kept the theme of country blues at first. Her peppier step was reminiscent to that of Regina Specktor.

This was Drias’ second visit to the Acoustic Coffee House. During her last visit, Dancing Steve danced along to her song, “Not Alone” (to all who know of Dancing Steve, you know what a complement that is). The most notable song that she performed that night was “Mr. Know-It-All.” Her latest album, “Lady with a Rocket,” was recently featured on iTunes’  “up and coming” list.

Drais and Caudle met at one of Caudle’s shows in South Carolina. After collaborating some, the two decided they were a good fit to tour together and starting touring full time.

If you are interested in hearing or learning more about either of the two, you can find Caudle at calebcaudle.com and Drais at haleydreismusic.co