About a month or so ago the oldest member of the office came over to ask the young'uns what "alternative" music was. His grandson is going to a prestigious music school and was curious about the phrase. It was not an easy question to answer. I told him that it didn't really mean anything, because it was a big umbrella term. We even looked up its Wikipedia page. I was thinking of alternative music as a whole, as opposed to just alternative rock as Wikipedia sees it, as music that crossed traditional genre boundaries.
I was thinking about this exchange last night while I was at a show in a little bar in Columbus, and about how I have a hard time describing the music I like. (Don't you *hate* the question, "What kind of music do you listen to?" I do. I find it impossible to answer. I love music, but I don't know if that comes across in my bumbling answer to that question. I usually don't really answer it if I don't feel the person is sympatico musically.) One of my friends from school and work jokes that she will go to shows with me, but only if they are country bands. I have never convinced her to come, because while a lot of the music I listen to has country roots (much to the chagrin of father should he ever understand that), it's not pop country. You'll be hard pressed to find me at the next Carrie Underwood concert with my friend.
But I'm digressing. Last night, after I went to a historical society's lecture on streetcars in Columbus, I met my friends and we headed to a little bar in Columbus to see half a band we really liked. My friend Stacey, with whom I share a musical affinity, introduced me to Minneapolis-based Romantica two years ago. I have since gotten a couple of friends into them as well. Lead singer Ben Kyle has a gorgeous voice. He and Luke Jacobs played an understated set of mostly new songs. The set was more down tempo than I was expecting, but excellent. Jacobs wonderfully played a lap steel guitar.
We stayed for the headliner, Carrie Rodriguez, and had no expectations. It was quickly clear that the other 17 people there (there were about 20 of us), were there for her. It was also clear why. She rocked. Jacobs stayed on stage to help her, and Hans Holzen, who we all thought was a bit dreamy, joined them. They were all excellent musicians - some of my favorite moments were when Rodriguez tore it up on her violin and Holzen did the same with his mandolin. It was a *great* show.
Anyway, that's where my thoughts on genre came into play. At times I felt like I was hearing some modern blues, there were definite underpinnings of country and bluegrass, but the whole thing was indescribable, in the best way possible. I have also decided that not being able to describe the music I listen to is well worth it, especially when it comes to finds like Carrie Rodriguez.
A little way into the show, I started thinking of Lucinda Williams. Rodriguez doesn't really sound like Williams, but there was something about her voice that made Williams come to mind. Then she asked the crowd if they had seen her open for Williams last time she was in town. (They had. Which made the somewhat older crowd make more sense.) She's working on a cover album, and here's an excellent cover of a Lucinda song.
Check out more on Carrie Rodriguez here and Romantica here. They are both worth a listen.
Thanks for the kind words about Carrie & her show. Last time she played Columbus was actually with Tim Easton at Little Brothers and it was PACKED. Not sure why we went from 200+ to 20. Not good. Maybe we took too long to get back? Maybe the economy is still in the crapper? Maybe no one knew we were comin'? But WCBE and local press made me think we'd be good. I refuse to believe it's because Carrie doesn't deliver live. Your review helped confirm that. Glad Romantica helped lead you to her. Next time she's in the area, I'll guest list ye - just email me - ok?
Posted by: John Porter | November 22, 2009 at 05:12 PM
I don't think people knew she was coming and I think the venue was probably to blame as well. They just changed their name, they have no real website to speak of, parking sucks etc. I think if it had been the The Thirsty Ear, The Basement, or any number of other places there would have been more people.
The Sunday after the show, I was telling someone about the concert and I got as far as "Carrie Rod-"
when he interrupted with "Carrie Rodriguez?! She ain't me!" He couldn't believe she'd been in town and he'd missed it.
Posted by: Julia | November 24, 2009 at 09:14 AM
I kind of want Circus (as ridiculous as its name may be) to do well. I just wish there were more successful venues in Columbus.
Posted by: Claire | November 24, 2009 at 01:24 PM