Evan and Jaron - Live At KaLo's Coffee House (1994)

"Sometimes looking back on the humble beginnings of artists can be awfully good fun. That's how it is with Evan & Jaron's early release Live at KaLo's Coffeehouse. The songwriting and arrangements are fairly simplistic, as are the performances (due to the nature of recording at an acoustic venue). But the artistic potential and charisma are there in full force. These boys obviously have the audience wrapped around their little fingers, as evidenced in "Say What," and they love making music. Not a bad start for a couple of teenage twin brothers. Some of the highlights include "Entertainer," a tale of growing up with expectations heaped on your shoulders, and the percussive, near-ballad sway of "Watching the Rain" and "Something Else." The crowd gives up a few hollers at the first sweet notes of "Without You," signifying its status as a favorite. The album closes with a studio version of "Fuzzy-Headed Morning," showing what the guys can do with a bit of instrumental and production support, and they really come alive. All in all, Live at KaLo's Coffeehouse proves that the seeds of success were planted early on for Evan & Jaron."