Backed by a proper full-time band playing with exceptional confidence, Kevin Morby returned to NYC last week for two well-received shows.

Both gigs went down at popular, tightly-run venues managed by The Bowery Presents (Mercury Lounge on Tuesday June 21 – and Rough Trade-Brooklyn on Wednesday June 22). Morby said it was the first time in his career he’d done performances in New York City on consecutive nights. Both shows sold out soon after they went on sale.

Donning a dapper indigo-colored suit and comfortable-looking dress shoes shaped to enable his signature slide-step move during jams, Morby’s long, curly locks covered his face as he sang Dorothy. That’s the number off the new record Singing Saw that seemed to resonate most with the audiences both nights.

The lack of set list variety from one night to the next didn’t matter. Both were spectacular performances. Meg Duffy’s responsibilities have grown exponentially since joining Morby on the road in early 2015 in support of his second record.

At those shows a year ago, Duffy alternated between bass and guitar with occasional vocal chip-ins.

But now the wraps have come off. Duffy (pictured above – standing nearest in the frame) elicited cheers from the crowds both nights with guitar work that dazzled in spots. At times, there was a Jerry Garcia-like twang effect on the plucks. All the while, Duffy maintains a placid, professional stage presence. Her occasional vocal harmony lines fit perfectly alongside Morby’s narrative, story-telling singing efforts.

Drummer Justin Sullivan really let loose on Morby’s two long-form favorites: Harlem River and Singing Saw. It was a refreshing departure from the more stoic, brush-heavy approach seen from him on previous Morby tours.

Morby’s decision to expand the roles of his bandmates is made easier by the steady presence of a full-time bass player. Cyrus Gengras of Los Angeles is in the band now. He stood stage left for the shows I attended. He glanced regularly at both Sullivan and Duffy to keep a check on timing, especially on the great song Destroyer which I’d imagine is a tough song to play live given its loping-like pace.

You could hear a pin drop between songs at both venues. This type of extreme silence as the artist tunes his guitar is an indication that the audience is enraptured. It’s a sign of respect. And it’s unfortunately kinda rare to see at most rock shows here in New York City.

The band had many friends and family on hand and Morby made a point of recognizing that fact. At Rough Trade, he told a funny story about a friend’s random encounter with an art teacher in the city.

The highlight of both nights came when Morby played a song that’s expected to appear on his next record. Entitled “Tiny Fires,” I had read reports that it sounded Wilco-ish.

Indeed it very much does although most tunes no matter the artist spark some thought of numbers that came before. Seems like categorization and comparison-making always enters the discussion when it comes to dissecting music.

Duffy plays a great slide on Tiny Fires as it builds into Morby saying “We can see this through…” I can’t wait to hear the recorded version of it. Live, it really sounded like a song of hope and triumph amidst tough times. For Morby to preview the number so soon after the release of the current record is his pattern. And its greatness obviously bodes well for what may come next. He just keeps working, keeps churning out great songs at what seems like breakneck pace.

Dead Oceans honcho Phil Waldorf and musician Sam Cohen could be seen lingering after the Rough Trade show. So, you had the guy who helped make Singing Saw with the guy who put it out right there to celebrate with everyone else in the room who love both the LP and the artist.

My pal Jacques is visiting from France, so we went together to both shows. I’m so used to going to the gig solo. It’s nice to share the good ones with a buddy so you can say “wow” to somebody you know during the wow moments.

Before the Rough Trade show, we had a really good dinner on Graham Ave at a small restaurant called Hummus Market. Both the beet and red tomato plates were off the charts – as is their back yard dining space.