Strangefolk 4/20/1999 Colonial Theater - Keene, NH (All,2 SHN) Source: DAUD Notes: MVB-JB Tree #2 (Mark4steph@aol.com) My first SF Show (Adam) Jon was back on the Paul Reid Smith for the entire show, and the lighting was intense, the band had huge springs/coils (like the one's Lissa had made for the Bluebird show) on either side of the stage, a painted? backdrop of trees in the moonlight, a full light rig, and intelli-beams (sp?) i.e. moving/spinning lights. Excellent! Review by: Jenna Speer Hey all - Just thought I'd share a story and a review on last night's kickin' show in Keene. The day started off with an email from a friend of mine in Keene that said nothing but "you ready?" that got me so raring to go, I was psyched. Michelle and I got to the show and realized that we were part of the brainless crew that hadn't gotten tickets to this sold-out show ahead of time. Oops. So after bumming around for a while, giving my cans to the SHS crew (three cheers for Kat & Tina & company!), and getting chastised by that Keene friend for not telling him I needed tickets, it was about 8pm. Everyone was heading inside; I was a little disappointed. Then out of nowhere comes a magnificent person to my side who says "say, you guys still looking for tickets?" he happened to have a couple extra, and we were on our way. What a kind soul. Maybe this evening wouldn't be so bad after all... Set one started out nice and solid, Sidestep Blue and Valhalla. nothing extraordinary, but I was psyched just to be there at that point, so it sounded great! Noticed the new instruments all around, Erik's bass sounds great, and John was having way too much fun on his guitar. Man, how that boy's fingers fly, it's incredible! Also noted Erik's Tex Pedigrew T-shirt (Percy Hill fans, anyone?) Anyway, L&C started out great and strong, then Reid slows into "time consists of weeks and seconds, baby you're possessing all of mine," some of my favorite lyrics of all time, from strange ranger. I was dancin' around, mesmerized by Reid's voice, which sounded fantastic, and he disappeared into the white lights. Props to whoever was in charge of that light show by the way, that was fantastic, throughout the show. New Glock II was nice, as was Take it Easy on Me, first time I'd heard that one live. The music stops, spotlight on Jon and just his voice, it was fantastic. An upbeat Cabin John and Knee Bend Boogie (which just sounds like an album song to me, I wouldn't be surprised if it shows up on the new one, don't quote me on that though) followed and lead up to So Far Gone? Could it be? Have never heard this one live, adore the song, and they got so into it. Beautiful harmonies and an experimental jam to end the first set. Set II started off with Poland, always a strong song. There's just nothing like watching Reid belt "what an easy life you've had, what a simple life you've lead." Bait and Sinner, two new ones, were a pleasure to hear. Both really great tunes. As was solid but basic, and then comes the Like You that never ended. Holy segues Batman! Funny, it seems that the last time I was at Keene it was Like You that stuck out in my mind as being long and awesome, but they did away with that memory last night. One of the most kickin' Like Yous I've heard lead into a beautiful Pooh Bear's Mistress and then into a really nice Rachel (always a personal favorite) and then back to Like You. Goodness gracious that was amazing. After that, Reid meandered up the mike and said "I don't know if anybody's said this yet, but, um, happy 4/20" So of course that got everybody riled. Take back the Weed was fun. I hadn't yet heard this one, calypso sounding almost, great tune. A really solid Stout Hearted followed, and then came Dance. This tune just captured the night for me. "Let the music take control" Ironically, a great deal of people around me decided to sit and rest during Dance. Silly. And it was also pretty cool that they carried it to Funkytown, since during the set break, one of my friends said to me that he thought the boys were getting a little funkier with their new instruments, trying stuff out and all. (Heard a little slap bass from Erik too, nice very nice) But Dance truly rocked the house, the boys were getting so into it and the jam lasted forever. The Blues Tune encore was fabulous as well, almost as if they didn't want the night to end. Unfortunately it did, but not without it being one of the most magical SF experiences I've had. Sorry for the length of this, but it had to be to give the show justice. :) Have fun in Sommerville everyone, see you at UVM! (to which, yes, I already have my tickets. Not going to take that risk again!) Peace, Jenna 3 CDR ---------------------------------- (Set 1) Sidestep Blue Valhalla Lines & Circles w/ Strange Ranger lyrics New Glock II Take it Easy on Me Cabin John KneeBend Boogie So Far Gone ----------- ----------- |