DeVotchKa at Bootleg Bar - October 5, 2011

Wow, they did it again. DeVotchka completely mesmerized for the entire length of their set last night, Wednesday, October 5 at Bootleg Bar. It was a more fleshed out version of their great performance last weekend at The Greek (opening for Elbow) that ran over an hour. Fans lucky enough to have scored tickets for the show packed the club and the wide range of the band's appeal was apparent from the variety of manners on display. Some decided to push their way through the crowd to plant themselves right in front of you when the band began, while others immediately pulled out their cell phones and opened them up in your face.

Once the music got going, none of that mattered, as the high spirits and enthusiasm are totally infectious and their musical talents are overwhelming. Beginning with Nick Urata's voice, which is an instrument of such extraordinary grace and power. His control is awesome. It's so great to be up front and watch the way he carefully enunciates each word, making every lyric understandable. Tom Hagerman is an absolute demon on the violin which he plays hard and furiously while never hitting a wrong note. Shawn King is a wizard of the drums which he can play in so many styles, he's a perfect fit for the multi-faceted compositions they write. Jeanie Schroder, who hugs her double bass, dances with her sousaphone, and plays flute is another charismatic performer in a band of charismatic musicians. The look of unabashed pleasure on her face makes you believe she's having the time of her life.

They played much from 100 Lovers, but also included songs from their past, including some I didn't know, all of which were poured into a program of such variety and passionate playing, the whole crowd was affected. There aren't many bands that can inspire such devotion from their fans, but DeVotchka deserve it. I'm proud to have seen them five times so far.

Those rowdy ruffians, The Parson Red Heads, pushed Viva Voce off the bill this Friday, October 7 at The Satellite in order to headline. (Actually Viva Voce had to cancel and I'm making this up.) Back in town for another show, The Parson Red Heads have made good on their promise to come back and play here as often as possible, so it's less heartbreaking that they don't live here anymore. Usually joined by assorted former members who still live here, their shows always have a nice 'reunion' feel, and on this date they're joined by Last American Buffalo and Death To Anders, who only jumped on the bill a few days ago. This is a good bet for a pleasurable Friday night.

whrabbit

Feed Your Head Night at Lot 1

I'm very pleased to have George Glass as headliners at my second Lot 1 show this Saturday, October 8. Ever since I saw Nick Ceglio performing with Death To Anders a few years ago at one of the RFSL "Let's Independent!" nights at Boardner's where he got to play some of his own compositions (one where he was noodling around on the floor playing with knobs, buttons and pedals), I have noticed how good his musical instincts and songwriting abilities are.

Still as much as I enjoy Death To Anders and Nick's contribution to their 2008 sound, I was not prepared for how good George Glass was right from the start. Now, a couple of years later, they've taken off on their own, releasing a wonderful CD and delivering some of the best local sets, repeatedly. Looking forward to hearing anything new they may have up their collective sleeves.

What else can I say about Radars To The Sky except that Andrew and Kate and the rest of the band have become good friends to me and the way the band keeps expanding and contracting, and meeting each challenge creatively, puts me in awe of their adaptability. Radars have become a new animal over the last couple of months and I can't wait to see what shape they have assumed.

Andrew Spitzer is a lawyer in his 'real' life and now that I just got off jury duty, I can see how he might operate in a courtroom. Much like his stage persona, he probably lulls a courtroom/audience into a complaisant comfort and then zings them with a power and passion that he keeps hidden until just the right moment. Good courtroom technique, good rock star technique. Who'd have thought...

Nick brought Doña Nicha onto the bill and listening to some of their song selections, I an very impressed. They play a dreamy, hypnotic lo-fi trance rock that actually cuts loose occasionally to create a kind of ebb and flow that is alternately beautiful and jolting.

I've known Sarah Clothier for a while now but never had the opportunity to hear her band The pickUp Sticks until she expressed interest to me about playing one more show before she has her baby in November. After hearing the garage/punk indie rock band she plays in, I realized they would be a perfect fit to open the night. It will be a treat to hear their music live.

So come out, if you're not colliding with culture on this Saturday, and join me for some fun at Lot 1.

whrabbit

Elbow and DeVotchKa at The Greek - October 1, 2011

I've always had amazing luck every time I see Elbow in that, I always manage to be right down front, and Guy Garvey, as one of the most giving and friendly performers around, leaning out over the crowd, seems to be striving to connect with each audience member. This was just how it was on April 8, 2006, when I saw them at Avalon, for the first time, and that was how it was again last night, Saturday, October 1, 2011. at The Greek. I felt so lucky to be in the pit to really get to enjoy that unique audience connection this band always achieves.

The evening began with me taking my seat in the Terrace (before getting into the pit) where I was able to enjoy the riviting performance by DeVotchKa, who wowed the crowd with their free-wheeling gypsy/punk take on Eastern European music. Gloriously sung by Nick Urata, whose voice is one of the wonders of the world to me, his recordings only capture a part of his full, gigantic voice. The rest of he band is so talented, from the astonishing violin virtuoso, Tom Hagerman, and Jeanie Schroder, whether on her xmas light-festooned sousaphone or the flute, to Shawn King on percussion and trumpet. They were augmented with an additional trumpet as well, enlarging their sound. They could have gone on much longer, but made way for the headliners.

Elbow took off right out of the gate with "The Birds", the opening track from their new album which sets the bar so high that the rest of the album has trouble competing, I'd be remiss if I didn't say that I haven't been overly impressed with their latest album, Build a Rocket Boys, but this song is one of their best ever and to hear the rest of it live made all the difference. And this song does seem like the epitome of the perfect Elbow song, with it relentless driving beat, and highly orchestrated industrial strength sound overlayed by the smooth and effortless vocals of Guy Garvey.

It was a set list distinguished with unusual choices, like the quiet, lyrical numbers "Great Expectations" "Weather To Fly" and "Puncture Repair". And the way the set was interspersed with liberal doses of material from Leaders Of The Free World and especially The Seldom Seen Kid made the whole show a series of high points. The power of "Starlings", where the whole band mans blaring trumpets, while lights blasted the stage. Great care is always taken with their visual presentation as well. "The Bones of You"was beautifully done, and the haunting, hypnotic "Mirrorball" still weaves it's spell with the lighting effects that make you feel like you're standing in the center of a rotating globe. Guy carefully instructed the crowd on their part in "Grounds For Divorce" before launching into the song proper, but his attention to detail resulted in a highly spirited rendition of the song including a very willing audience, which had him beaming as he pounded away on the two drums provided him for this number.

"Lippy Kids" is a song that begins with a far off whistle that's overtaken by a lurching beat so that Guy can prompt the audience to wave their arms back and forth in time to the beat as he reaches out like he wants to touch each person that's in front of him. He does that at every concert. Talk about a fully engaged performer.

The rest of the band left the stage for the unbelievably moving "Puncture Repair" leaving only Craig Potter on piano followed immediately by "The River" from the new album for a pair of stunning duets between piano and Guy Garvey's passionate vocals. I was moved to tears.

The night ended with a three song encore capped by an electrifying version of "Station Approach" followed by the anthemic "One Day Like This" which sends the audience out on a high the likes of which I've only seen a few times. The art of the strong, charismatic lead singer is alive and well represented by these two bands. As well as these two singers have been recorded, they only hint at the immeasurable range and power of their live sound. This was a evening for the annals of history.

whrabbit

Here We Go Again

Feed Your Head's second monthly show at Lot 1 is coming on Saturday, October 8 at 8PM (music starts at 9):

whrabbit

An Incredible Weekend Of Music

I may have missed the FYF FEST, but I had a weekend festival of my own at the Lot 1 on Saturday night and at Bootleg Bar on Sunday. I was hoping for the best on Saturday as I inaugurated the first Saturday of the monthly series of shows I hope to present at Lot 1 from now on, and into the future. I was flying by the seat of my pants, but as soon as Omar Velasco began his set, I relaxed and saw this was off to a good start. When I first heard Omar at Judson McKinney's residency at The Central back on August 2nd, I was instantly a fan, and I remember running up to him afterward and blathering some compliments at him and practically begging him to come play my first show.

Omar Velasco is one of the most remarkable talents that nobody knows about yet, so it is always going to be a source of pride to me that he led off with the first set on the first night of my Feed Your Head nights at Lot 1. It was a perfect start to a really swell night of music that pulled in a respectable crowd, in spite of the competition, so I was pleased. Those who were lucky enough to get there early were as impressed as I have been by Omar Velasco, who has one of the best voices around, with striking vocal control, that is matched by his varied and accomplished songwriting skills. When you hear his EP, See Lion Run, you will be equally impressed with how he has filled out his sound for the recording, adding layers of feeling and mood through orchestration.

There was a bit of a break as we resolved sound issues for Dirt Bird, but once they got underway, Lot 1 was gently lifted off-earth for a trip around the universe, bouyed by the ethereal and dreamlike vocals of Claire Mckeown and Athena LeGrand, aided by their harmonium, keyboard and drum. I had been longing to hear this band ever since Claire sent me their EP, Summer Night Hours, which I reviewed at Radio Free Silver Lake, but I don't think I was adequately prepared for the group hypnosis they perpetrated on the audience.

From the moment they began, a hush fell over the room, punctuated only by the vigorous applause each song received. Ordinarily each voice is individually miked, but our spare set up on Saturday required Claire and Athena to share a mike, but I think it worked out beautifully as their distance from the mike created an almost church-like echo quality that suited the songs well. Perfect for what they aptly self-describe as "sacred music for secular people", they manage to be creatively bold and daring while keeping the audience soothed and comfortable. These ladies are after my heart. I'm especially glad that Dirt Bird is set for a show at Hotel Cafe tonight (to make up for the cancelled Sunset Junction/Hotel Cafe sponsored show). I'll be at the front on the line.

Death To Anders was the headliner for the show and Rob Danson (Zoe-Ruth Erwin's photo at right) took the opportunity to play a lot of new music, which is incredibly good (the four-track sampler I got from him is proof of that). He'd promised a laid back, slightly restrained set to match the rest of the program, but what we got was a powerfully good performance, full of the throbbing intensity and dense storytelling we've come to expect from him. His song "Odessa" is a real winner.

Judson McKinney rounded out the evening with another perfect sounding set, after a week which has included three or four other shows around town for them. And their hard work is paying off with an ever-growing base of fans and and a performance style that is simultaneously relaxed and beautifully structured. Sheridan Riley's drumming displayed her usual polish (and this after playing with Avi Buffalo at FYF earlier in the day), John Seasons provides thundering bass support and the duets between Judson and Mary and her violin were as stunning as ever. All in all, the wide variety and quality of the musical acts made the evening a complete success for me.

The following night was the Torches video release party at Bootleg Bar presented by Radio Free Silver Lake and with another fabulous line up of bands. Summer Twins began with a strong set of indie alt/country which was tightly played and sung with passion and energy. A rousing good opening. Seasons are trying to lay low for a little while, but no one will let them. They showed up to support their good friends in Torches and went the extra distance by introducing a few new songs. All of them good.

On the back patio to chat with friends, the party took off to a point where, I'm embarrassed to admit, when I returned to the Bar, the video was already over. Torches played one of the loudest and most emphatic sets I've ever seen from them and it was like watching a band get bigger right before your eyes. I've since seen the video and it is a wonderfully imaginative take on dental hygiene and bondage...I think. (Note the Volkswagon in the photo at right, which plays a supporting role in the video)

Usually the last band plays to a dwindling audience as people wander toward the exits. Not so with Naive Thieves. Once they began, there was no way to tear yourself away. They are so good and play such catchy and intelligent rock that the whole crowd was transported. I seemed to be one of the few people there who had seen them before, so it was fun to see everyone flabbergasted by this group. With a twangy/surfy '60s sound they twist the audience around their finger making us willing to follow them anywhere.

When I saw them back at the beginning of August at Lot 1, I was equally impressed and chatted with them, getting their EP, Le Sheik Rhat, and hoping to see them again. Since listening to the album and becoming familiar with the songs, it only increased my appreciation for what their doing. Naive Thieves is a band with a future, make no mistake. I think I experienced acute musical perfection this weekend.

whrabbit

Re-Reminder: Torches Have A Show Sunday

O.K., So I read Jed's terrific interview with Torches (In Trees) over at Radio Free Silver Lake, and I realized I had been resisting the notion that they would change their name from Torches In Trees to, simply, Torches, but I can see the logic in it now. Not only is it streamlined, but it's also a reflection of their history.

If I'm not mistaken, there were five band members the first couple of times I saw Torches In Trees, back in Dec. of '08 at Mr. T's Bowl and January of '09 at the old Hollywood Knitting Factory, and I loved them then. The CD I got at the time lists five musicians. By the end of 2009, I think they were down to four, and now there are three. Ordinarily, the addition and subtraction of band members can have a profound negative or positive effect. And I've seen both.

With Torches, it has had a solidifying effect. Their music has become more focused while maintaining that psychedelic edge that I fell in love with at the beginning. I was totally impressed with their earlier performances, but now I find them life-affirming and moving. The music is that beautiful. Individually and collectively, Azad, Eric and Bridgette mean a lot to me.

That is why I'm so happy that Radio Free Silver Lake is hosting the video release party for their first video at Bootleg Bar on Sunday. And there's no work the next day because of Labor Day, so no excuses.

whrabbit

Feed Your Head Begins Monthly Shows

I wanted to wait to write this column until the flyer was done. Taking a bunch of disparate elements and collaging them into a psychedelic poster was more time consuming than I anticipated but here it is:

I jumped at the chance to begin presenting my own shows when Eileen at Lot 1 asked if I wanted to. Having enjoyed doing the weekly Free Tuesdays at LaBrie's for six months with Radio Free Silver Lake, I was glad to have the chance to learn how to do it from the ground up.

First up is Death To Anders as headliners, which is entirely appropriate as Rob Danson was one of the first musicians I got to know, back at Boardner's, which he sang a song about the other day...I think. Together with Dirt Bird, who's pedigree goes back through other vocally powerful bands, Shadow Shadow Shade, back through Irving, who I also saw over and over, these two bands represent my early years in the music scene, say 2007, 2008.

Judson McKinney has been such a strong addition to L.A.'s music, that he and Mary and his band are one of the greatest finds of the past year. And he always surrounds himself with a lot of my favorite musicians. Omar Velasco was introduced to me through Judson at his residency at The Central in August and I was immediately struck by the quality of the songwriting and his strong and disciplined voice. I asked him a day later to be a part of this show. They represent how vibrant the music scene still is and point the way to the future.

Come on out to Lot 1 on Saturday night, September 3, and enjoy some of the finest this town has to offer.

whrabbit