Knitters’ Love of Music Sets the Tone for Benefit

Who better than the Knitters--the loose, country-roots X offshoot--to headline the Gimme Shelter concert at the Roxy on Wednesday?

Now in its 10th year, the annual benefit for the St. Joseph’s Center, a Venice facility aiding the homeless and needy, may lack the star power to pack the Arrowhead Pond a la KROQ’s Almost Acoustic Christmas, but its spirit would overflow any arena.

The Knitters set the tone Wednesday. Even more than when first formed in the mid-’80s by Exene Cervenka, John Doe and D.J. Bonebrake with Dave Alvin (then of the Blasters) and bassist Jonny Ray Bartel, the recent reunion is completely about love of music.

It showed, with the engaging American skiffle mix of Carter Family songs, a couple of X tunes and assorted old-time country ballads driven by the playful moods of Cervenka and Doe. This was not about show-biz self-promotion.

Nor were the other acts, with only three (Richard Thompson, the Push Stars and Jeremy Toback) having recent albums out. Two others are currently without major-label deals (Grant Lee Phillips, Peter Himmelman), two are signed but have yet to release anything (Judith Owen, Teddy Thompson) and one was taking a break from his band (Old 97s’ Rhett Miller).

A highlight came when the two Thompsons--Richard and his 23-year-old son Teddy, who is soon to record his debut album for Virgin Records--linked up for two songs between their individual sets. Separately, the younger musician displayed a pure, high tenor voice and a way with gentle songs of deep yearning, while his English folk-rock icon dad dazzled with his pointed imagery and guitar prowess.

Charmingly brash singer-pianist Owen previewed her debut Capitol album (due in March) with three songs that were sultry but never coy. Former Grant Lee Buffalo leader Phillips spun vivid songs in part echoing John Lennon.

But more than individual performances, the night was marked by the informal vibe and shedding of business concerns for the sake of giving.