Harmonic and Witty Folk-Pop Duo Buskin & Batteau play Iron Horse this Sunday, May 2

David Buskin & Robin Batteau bring their “irresistible amalgam of melodic, sensual pop, folkie grit and killer wit” (The Washington Post) to Northampton on Sunday, May 2. Buskin (piano, guitar) and Batteau (violin, guitar) will be accompanied by virtuoso percussionist Marshal Rosenberg and Robin Batteau’s younger brother, Brook, whose raw and soulful sound has been likened to Bryan Ferry, Kid Creole, David Byrne and Prince, opens the show.

Following a 13-year hiatus, Buskin and Batteau, returned to the studio last year to record their fourth CD, Red Shoes and Golden Hearts. The classically-trained artists, who describe themselves as “hopelessly romantic,” “defiantly immature” and “usually hungry,” have been Clio-winning jingle writers (“The Heartbeat of America” for Chevrolet, “All Aboard Amtrak” and “I’m Lovin’ It” for McDonald’s, among others) and have written songs that have been recorded by such notable artists as Judy Collins; Astrud Gilberto; Ladysmith Black Mambazo; Johnny Mathis; Bette Midler; Anne Murray; the Oak Ridge Boys; Peter, Paul & Mary; and Tom Rush (with whom they got their start in 1979 as his backup band). With their mix of talent, showmanship, Everly-crisp vocal harmonies and what Stephen Holden of The New York Times called their “by turns acerbic, funny and plaintive” music and commentary, Buskin & Batteau are consummate entertainers in their own right.

“Their harmonies and wonderful presence onstage is as captivating as ever,” says Ron Olesko, host of “Traditions” on WFDU-FM in New Jersey, who called Buskin and Batteau the highlight of 2009’s Northeast Regional Folk Alliance (NERFA) conference. Boston music critics tag the duo as “post-folkies on cruise control, sexy and magical,” and describe their latest release as “acoustic heaven.”

As a duo, Buskin & Batteau have performed on London street corners, in New York’s Carnegie Hall and at folk festivals throughout the U.S. They also have shared Grammy, Emmy and Gold Record Awards and have performed and recorded with a host of Americana favorites. More information on them, as well as a few choice songs, can be found online at www.buskinandbatteau.com.