Damien Rice moves on up to the Byham

When Damien Rice walked away with 2003’s Shortlist Music Prize, an award given to… When Damien Rice walked away with 2003’s Shortlist Music Prize, an award given to boundary-pushing musicians by a panel of the music industry’s most respected names, it was a bit of a shock to many. Previous nominees of the prestigious prize have ranged from Bjork to The Streets, with past winners including the likes of Sigur Ros and N.E.R.D. Rice’s demure acoustic guitar and slow ballads were a far cry from the exotic choices usually honored. But his fans were the least surprised with the award.

The Irish singer-songwriter wowed crowds for years as the head of a five-piece rock band called Juniper. In 1999, he decided to leave the ordinary rock outfit to create his own brand of music. After multi-platinum success in Dublin, Rice finally released his album, O, in the United States this summer to widespread praise. It was hailed by critics and fans alike as one of the best releases of 2003.

The album’s striking choruses and intricate lyrics still have people talking months after its release. Rice’s voice, much like the music itself, is hard to categorize. It can go from a soothing reminder of David Gray to the wild intensity of Ryan Adams all within a single song. To simply label Rice’s music as folky pop would be an insult to his creativity.

Rice is joined on the album by Lisa Hannigan, who provides lush background vocals, and Vyvienne Long, who adds the instrumental backdrop of a cello. The album’s first single, “Volcano,” is a tranquil mix of all three musicians at their best. Rice and Hannigan trade vocals, while Long’s cello takes the song to a sophisticated level not found in most modern music. On “I Remember,” Hanningan is the one on lead vocals, and she takes the reins angelically only to have Rice come crashing in halfway through to steer the song in a new direction.

Just seven months ago, Rice played a sold-out show at the South Side’s Club Cafe. In a testament to his newfound fame and fortune, Rice returns to Pittsburgh this Sunday, only this time to the much larger Byham Theater. While Rice may be best known for his intimate coffeehouse shows, the fact that he is selling out theaters across the United States exemplifies the fact that he can entertain a crowd of any size.

Damien Rice will play the Byham Theater on Sunday at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $23 and can be purchased by calling (412) 456-6666.