River to River: The Living Room Sessions

So I just got back from my second River to River 2007 experience and, as to be expected, there were highs, lows, and some veritable "whas?"

The bill featured regulars of New York's famed acoustic venue (of Norah Jones-fame, among others), the Living Room. I was drawn to the event to see Chris Thile, as I am compelled to see him whenever and wherever he is playing in New York. I have never, ever been disappointed with a Chris Thile show; no matter the circumstance, the guy is fantastic. He is the Paganini of the mandolin. But I have to say, Thile has an uncanny ability to look like a monkey (or some variety of primate) about to sneeze while he's working his mandolin magic. Sometimes his facial contortions make him look as if someone is pulling strings from behind the poor chap's face (if so, I'd love to meet the Japetto behind this act). So, as per usual, Chris was fantastic and stole the show, hands down. It is especially satisfying to witness the primarily intangible process of audience members becoming fans, but that never fails to occur at a Thile show.

The rest of the lineup included Living Room regular and guitarist Jim Campilongo, who seems to take a lot of his cues from legendary guitarist Bill Frisell. Campilongo's set was technically impressive but failed to inspire; his connection to the audience was tentative at best.

Ari Hest opened the show. I love his acoustic work. Looks like his new album is primarily acoustic, and he employs some beautiful chord progressions in his latest pieces. I enjoyed his set. I just hope he stops smoking (if he is, I'm not positive) before his (very special and distinct) voice fades out.

Martha Wainwright followed Thile and closed the show. It's sad, but hers was the most disappointing of all the acts. She came on stage looking disheveled, confused, and, quite frankly, strung out. I have never quite understood why so many people are devoted to Martha, sister of the exorbitantly talented Rufus, and daughter of the oft-underrated and brilliant Loudon. Her voice this evening reminded me of Bette Midler's abysmal performance on the latest season of American Idol (an evening all of us will need to manually blot out of our collective memory). However, each time I was ready to throw in the towel (and there were many times), plug my ears, and pray for the end of her set, she would burst out of her shell of mediocrity and let loose a glorious, throaty growl of a vocal line, or reveal a brilliant chord change. Martha struck me as part burn-out, part luminary, and part exhausted, over-toured musician. I think the latter element played a large role in her somewhat disappointing and incredibly confusing performance.

With all of that said, it was a nice (albeit rocky at times) balmy New York summer eve just off the Hudson at River to River.

Once - a triumph of musical realism

I apologize for the delay in posting. But I must admit, it is a great time to return to music blogging at a time like this; it is a glorious musical summer. With that said, I just saw a lovely musical motion picture, Once. The storyline is simple yet sweet, the characters lack specific names but have rich identities, and the piercing, aching, gorgeous music of Glen Hansard of the Frames is its focal point. Once is best described as musical realism in that its characters regularly break into song, but it is not contrived as in most traditional musicals; rather, the music is an intended and understandable happening. The music is, indeed, the star of this tale, and the very thing that brings Hansard and Marketa Iglova's characters, referred to as "Guy" and "Girl" together. Hansard and Iglova's songs serve as a loose guide to the quiet desperation, and sincere searching for a correct path of action that both "Guy" and "Girl" feels in their individual lives, "Guy" nursing his broken heart and his struggling musical career, "Girl" struggling to make a living and take care of her baby as a single mother/Czech immigrant living in Dublin. I feel like I have gone on too long already, but I can't recommend this picture enough. Check it out at the following link: http://www.myspace.com/oncethemovie