TWO of the most innovative and subtle roots musicians working today are set to play at the Brewery on January 22.

Cahalen Morrison & Eli West’s music draws from old folk sources, but it sounds vibrantly alive.

Cahalen Morrison writes songs that sound like a Cormac McCarthy novel: simple, beautifully crafted, and seemingly formed from raw natural elements.

Eli West brings jagged, angular arrangements based in bluegrass and old-time, but refracted through a 21st century lens.

Together, Cahalen and Eli tap the root of the old country and bluegrass duets.

Cahalen Morrison & Eli West’s new album, Our Lady of the Tall Trees, has won them praise from the likes of Tim O’Brien, Dirk Powell, and Aoife O’Donovan.

The duo can easily back up that kind of expert acclaim, as they show on album standouts like the title track, “Our Lady of the Tall Trees,” or the opener, “Stone to Sand.” Their stripped-back cover of Townes Van Zandt’s “Loretta” has been gathering early praise as well.