Earlier Sharon Van Etten show at Zebulon back in December by Arincrumley.

“Music just pours out of some people.” That’s what I remember someone telling me about Bushwick-based singer/songwriter Sharon Van Etten. Oliver and I biked to see her perform at Zebulon in Williamsburg last Wednesday with Twi the Humble Feather and Ivana XL.

Sharon came on the small black stage as old silent films projected on the ceiling above.  She was carrying shiny brown and bone colored Ibanez electric guitar, and when Oliver saw it he whispered to me “that’s a sweet ass guitar.”  Sharon has the humility of a true master.  There is no bravado, no ego, just poignant lyrics, floating melodies, and a voice like silk and milk and tears. Zebulon was packed that night, and from the beginning to the end of her set, the crowd was entirely entranced.  Faces were focused, pensive, far away and then returned.  Bartenders and waitresses stood still and abandoned tables that didn’t really need a drink or distraction at that moment.

Sharon practices and records on Starr Street, but left Bushwick yesterday for a 2 month tour opening for fellow vocalist, Noa Babayof.  I ordered her EP from her myspace page, and a few days later received a brown paper envelope with lovely drawings, a note with a little black fingerprint, and 11 songs to last me until she returns.