A couple of guitars, an accordion, a rhythm section built on tambourines.

The elements that coalesce into the music of the Subdudes are so deceptively simple that it’s a constant marvel how the veteran, New Orleans-bred ensemble can twist them in so many fascinating directions. ... whether it was Amedee’s propulsive solo in “Light In Your Eyes,” the tremulous foundation of Magnie’s squeezebox in “No Man,” or the soaring voices in “Morning Glory.”

Most often, the music was lifted by Malone’s under-appreciated guitar work, which ranged from intricate Spanish-style arpeggios to steamy slide in “Barley in the Silo,” off the new Flower Petals.

In the end, the band was standing in the middle of the crowd, singing and playing utterly unplugged.

Sounding simply beautiful.

The Subdudes w/Beth McKee The Subdudes - led by singer/guitarist Tommy Malone and accordion player John Magnie - returned to a sparser, mostly acoustic sound for 2009’s Flower Petals. Their fourth studio effort since re-forming 2003 also finds the New Orleans quintet exploring a more roots and folk feel, and delivering a loose narrative set in turn-of-the-century America with country gospel-tinged vocal melodies. 8 p.m., Skipper’s Smokehouse, Tampa, $17 in advance/$20 dos.