Salem Smokes the Viper

Wrapping up the Tuesday evening entertainment at MUSEXPO 2009 is Stockholm sensation Salem, an incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist who, though he stuck mostly to the keys this evening, enchanted the Viper Room with songs that possessed the stellar musicianship and vibe of an updated, more rockin' 21st century version of Steely Dan meets the Dave Mathews Band. He had an incredible backing band, with particular props to the lead guitarist, whose smooth, flowing runs through the fretboard provided a most pleasing accompaniment to Salem's silky smooth vocals. By the midway point of the set Salem had the crowd clapping along to the beat and swaying in rhythm to his sensuously soulful sounds. He picked up an electric guitar for a song he recently wrote in New York, a number that wouldn't be out of place in the Simon & Garfunkel canon...but didn't make the cut for his forthcoming album, which leaves us eager to hear what did!