The strong scent of incense wafted over the audio gear. We had been standing in the barricades of the photo pit, anxiously awaiting Carlos Santana, for all of three minutes when I realized the footage being played above stage was from Woodstock fifty years ago. This footage was being played to lull us into a gorgeous start of a wonderful and nostalgic evening with the one and only Carlos Santana, who is taking the time on his tour to acknowledge his 20 year old album — the one I know the best — Supernatural.
He played songs like “Put Your Lights On”, “Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen”, “Breaking Down The Door”, “Maria Maria”, and he didn’t leave out fan favorites “Oyo como va” and “Smooth”. And that’s exactly how I would describe his energy on the stage. The performers made it feel as though they were jamming together in someone’s basement or — better yet for a crowd this big and this dedicated to the ambiance (HELLOOOOO 420!) — perhaps a backyard on a warm summer’s night.
The evening was absolutely magical, and of course we credit so many generations of love for Santana on this one. Peep some photos below.
Palehound took to the stage last Wednesday night on Elsewhere’s Rooftop in Brooklyn just as the sun was setting. The whole scene was surreal as the stage was decked out in fake flowers and tropical plants juxtaposed with the neighborhood’s industrial setting. And as the sun set and the the night sky grew dark, neon lights kicked on overhead to illuminate what would be an electric set from the Ellen Kempner led band. Her delivery provided as much contrast as the backdrop, singing at times in a soft, almost whisper like voice only to then break into a frenetic guitar solo before returning to the mic like she had just exercised her demons. The band, which includes Jesse Weiss on drums and Larz Brogan on bass, provided a solid framework and helped flesh out the songs from the recently released album, Black Friday.
Palehound returns to NYC in October where they’ll be playing alongside Big Thief. Not to be missed.
Last week, we prepped for the holiday of lights and showboating with a performance serene and gorgeous as the sound of a flowing stream after a good rain. Allison Gliesman’s voice is one of the most alluring we’ve ever heard, and with both their popular band Mess and their solo project sex ed, we are consistently floored by the quality of songwriting. We urge you to get out to a show, but until then, here are some highlights of one of our favorite performers. Period.
Acclaimed singer/songwriter Erin Rae performed at New York City’s Rough Trade on June 19th, opening for Dylan LeBlanc. Rae recently released an EP of demos off last year’s record, Putting On Airs. In front of an audience still filing in and getting drinks, Rae was unmoved, focusing on her performance and her connection to those already in the crowd. Her set was poignant, speaking of pain and empathy, and the room swelled larger with each subsequent song. By the end, she held the audience in her hand, and thunderous applause broke out.
On June 29th, one of the most extraordinary voices in up-and-coming pop music visited the patio at Riot Room in Westport. Whoa Dakota (Jesse Ott) entertained in some of the sweatiest weather, the lighting and fan giving the tone a Beyonce effect, while the crowd basked in the glow. Photos below!
On Tuesday, July 2nd, Older Brother held its debut public performance at The Rino in Kansas City, with support from Ritt Momney and Sex Ed. The trio – comprised of siblings Jake, Jordan, and Brooke – absolutely stunned with their vocal talents. The music was simple, beautifully composed, and the room was so silent it almost felt too intimate for onlookers. Highlights below.
