Somerville Armory Show Recap
Tuesday, January 12th, 2010Time for a recap of this past weekend’s show at the Somerville Armory:
- Despite driving by several times, I had actually never been inside the Armory. It turned out to be a really cool venue. We played in the Cafe room which was absolutely perfect for an acoustic show. Great sound system, a nice front section with tables for the people who wanted to pay attention, room in the back for the chatters to drink beer and wine – overall a really great set-up. Not nearly as many bazookas as I was hoping for, but I suppose that’s ultimately a good thing.
- Upon arrival at the venue, Nate Rogers was finishing his soundcheck. We quickly ran through an early Brendan Boogie Band tune that I hadn’t played in years, setting the tone for an evening of musical adventure and collaboration. Then, we made out, setting the tone for an evening of regret and self-loathing.
- When my drummer Justin arrived at the venue, he apparently had some trouble negotiating the Armory’s walls, as I got a text “Can someone come out and lower the drawbridge?”
- As the venue started to fill up, one of my guest artists Jillian Santella was getting a wee bit nervous. See, this was her return to music after several years off and she was getting a little, what’s the word, edgy. Jillian and I have been writing some music together recently and this seemed like a good time to debut a few of the songs. After a few minutes of taking the full brunt of Jillian’s anxiety, I pointed her to the wine bar and got ready for the show. Thank you, wine bar. You have my eternal gratitude.
- The show began with Nate regaling the crowd with some of his finest sad songs. Here’s a sample video, courtesy of Mike “Big Flapi” Mirabella. Check out the sexy mood lighting:
- After Nate brought the house down, it was my turn to play my little songs with a few special guests. Jillian had no reason to be nervous, as she knocked everyones socks on their asses. If she’s going to be that good, she should take another several years off. We were also joined by the always delightful Beth Holub on viola for “February” and a cover of Dire Straits’ “So Far Away,” one of my favorite songs of all time. Here’s a video of Ken, Justin, and I doing “Primary Love Object” from the first record:
- Most inappropriate thing I said from stage: “We have CDs and t-shirts available. I have the ability to take credit cards now. I just bend over and you run your card right up my ass. Somehow, it charges your card.” I spent the next song and a half giggling while the audience looked on in unamused silence.
- Golden Bloom took the stage, featuring the multi-talented Shawn Fogel. If you haven’t had the chance, I strongly recommend checking out a live show if you can. Definitely buy his record. The Golden Bloom set featured Armando the drum machine and a pineapple shaker. Also, a bunch of killer songs.
- After the first round of sets, Nate and I joined Mike Mirabella and a triumphantly returning Keith Michel for an impromptu Scamper reunion. It’s always a magical moment to lure Keith out of retirement to sing a few harmonies. Sadly, there is no video of our version of “Wait Wait,” but just close your eyes and imagine it being really awesomely sexy.
- To close out the night, Nate led Shawn and I in a version of the Gin Blossoms’ “Hey Jealousy.” Nate is always looking for an excuse to play that song, so he didn’t need much prompting. Before we played, Shawn asked “Do you want to play drums or should I?” to which I responded “Drums? I could barely handle keeping time with the pineapple shaker.”
- After the show, we spent the evening closing out the Highland Kitchen with friends old and new. I learned that you shouldn’t say to Nate, Mike, and Justin, “Hey, hold my beer while I go to the bathroom, will you?” Those guys are a bunch of assholes.
All in all, a tremendous night. The Somerville Armory is a great space and I can’t wait to get back there again soon. Hooray for rock and roll awesomeness!
