Prior to last Thursday evening I had only witness Anthony da Costa as an auxiliary player. Backing some of the best and brightest of rising stars in roots music. His work alongside Aoife O’ Donovan, Sarah Jarosz and The Stray Birds has left me spellbound and while on this recent tour he was sharing the fronting duties with guitarist and songwriter Adam Levy, it was a punch to the gut and slap to the face that stung in just the right way to wake you up to the beauty that was unfolding before you on the stage.

The recent release from the two artists titled “Neighbors” is a back and forth conversation between two singer-songwriters who’s styles differ quite drastically. Da Costa with indie rock and folk pop leanings while the Levy side of the record is steeped in a bit of that country self-deprecation, as witnessed in songs like “Something to Drink About”. All that considered, the combination of the two, despite any differences, just dovetailed wonderfully as each played second fiddle to one another’s songs. That back and forth conversation continuing on stage in front of a small (but very attentive) audience in Burlington that evening.

Witnessing two friends and contemporaries who had a great deal of respect for one another and their songs was a really special thing to have watched. The playful banter, sharing of stories and each of the two’s guitar work blending effortlessly and coloring the songs of the artist sitting next to them. 

Here are the two performing the da Costa penned title track “Neighbors” that evening. Enjoy and get this record today.