This month, New York City showcased its finest blend of music. Every Monday night at Webster Hall’s Studio, an eclectic mix of urban dwellers came together for a night of independent entertainment. Talent-wise, the shows remained typically diverse, with a new cast of bands supporting the headlining act, Mike Del Rio. Reflecting on the historical CBGB’s, a local music lover described the events as “what I’ve heard New York City’s underground nightlife used to be like back in the 70’s, music and endless drinks on a Monday night”.
Headlining the showcase each night, Mike Del Rio came out in full force, presenting what he and his band had to offer. His music needed no unnecessary hype, forced fashion style, or glamorous presentation; it defended itself. Every girl was dancing and every guy had no choice but to bounce their head or tap their toes. As the month progressed and news spread, his crowd grew. By the third week, The Studio was packed with regulars who had come before, their friends, and people who barely knew what to expect. No matter the makeup, Mike continued to deliver. The feel good atmosphere he creates is infectious from the start. As the multi-instrumentalist rotates instruments, ranging from acoustic and electric guitar to the keys, the sound changes to a style all its own. Every song has its own behavior and the story told is set to a unique melody like pictures on a reel.
From the first Monday to last night’s finale, each show had its own distinct energy. Group Sounds turned the premier evening into an uncontrollable dance party. As the keyboardist, deemed “Sexy Joe”, began shedding articles of his authentic Japanese Komodo, the crowd reacted, finishing their show with half the audience onstage behind them. Second time around, veteran act HotSpur played a perfect set. Front man, Joe Mach, captivated the audience while his band kept currents high. Obviously thriving in intimate settings, Honor By August’s strong lyrics and emotional performance stands out when reviewing the third week. Last night’s finale was a strong arrangement of musicians bidding farewell to a great month of music. The adventurously sentimental Cass Dillon played a professional set that brought the crowd closer to the stage than seen all month. The residency was closed out by west coast partiers 2 AM Club.
Overall, The September Residency filled a musical craving for independent talent from all corners of the country. Gotham’s own Mike Del Rio led the charge for what this city was founded on, great music.
9.03.09 – The Highline Ballroom was filled with a comfortable crowd of about 350; A wild mix of New York City’s young listeners and up-and-coming performers alike. Prophit and DJ Woof were killing it on stage with bass heavy instrumentals and well delivered lyrics. Well-known NYC artist Nyle came out to show his respect with an 8-bar freestyle acapella. At one point, the stage was filled with artists and listeners partying to the music and showing their support. In transition from Prophit to the main attraction, Bad Rabbits, the DJ kept the energy high with an amazing mix of tracks. Ranging from old school to new, the crowd never stopped moving.
Igniting with a passion for entertainment, Bad Rabbits exploded from the start and didn’t simmer till the last song was all but over. As the band began playing and the lights filled the stage, Dua popped out stage left and the crowd reacted. As lead singer, his stage presence and liveliness is contagious. The level of energy is something to be admired. The original songs they played, like The Bad and most notably Stick Up Kids, were as entertaining as any cover. Saluting the old legends with reflections of Morris Day and The Time and a standout Michael Jackson medley including Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough, Rock With You, and Wanna Be Starting Somethin, the foundation that this band was built on became quite apparent. Instead of mimicking successful bands of today with similar setups, like The Roots, Bad Rabbits looked back down the line of musical history and decided to work on something that deserved to move forward to a contemporary style.
This Thursday night, the stage became a podium and we were all schooled on where popular music should be. While the industry is favoring cheap electronics, shameless auto tune, and thin lyrics, we were treated to the sound of a full band naturally creating music with high energy and skill. The type of effort unseen anymore, so take notes.
As a crowd we all came to the venue with anticipation, but left completely fulfilled.
7.29.09 – I went to see Jackie Tohn perform at The Living Room in New York City. Most of you would know Jackie from her spot in the Top 36 of American Idol this past season. Jackie was the singer best known for her high energy performances and fun personality. But take away the judges (Happy, Annoying, Dopey, and Grumpy), the cameras and the competition, and Jackie is really an indie artist at heart. The guitar and her amazing voice filled the room like an entire band. I was completely entertained; if not by the music alone, Jackie’s personality shined through with her natural comedy in between songs. Her album was the first of the “idolers” to drop on iTunes and she joked that it had already went Aluminum.
Her songs ranged from uptempo Acoustic Rock to slow ballads where her strong character showed hints of insecurity. Her voice really stood out and was simply beautiful at times. I loved the song 25, which was perfect for last night’s intimate storytellers setting. My standout selection is most definitely Possible. The crowd reaction and participation was proof of the songs’ infectious behavior.
