by John Miller
Morningsiders - Sounds
great tonight, drums especially. They are loud, vibrant,
and sharp. For a band that has a fiddle, the drums are quite present.
Normally, this genre tends to have softer, subdued percussion. There is a
sense of something improvisational
as Morningsiders’ set doesn't appear concrete. Worried their audience
isn't
inebriated enough to truly enjoy the faster bits, they ask for
suggestions. However, without much response they insist on something
slower and do a cover of one of
Stevie Nicks' softer songs. The pieces feel more approachable and for
that
matter, appropriate for the venue. I can't imagine many folks come out
to
Jammin’ Java to really jam. Crowd participation can be difficult, so I
don't
understand why lead singer Magnus continues to ask for the crowd to clap
along.
I can't imagine it's any easier to play with a room full of people that
can't
seem to find the beat. The drummer is even trying to cue us but after a
moment
of failure it appears we have all had enough. Though what really sticks
out is
the brevity of their compositions. These post-Americana bands tend to be
somewhat
long in the tooth but everything is quite tight tonight. I'm not sure a
song
has gone over four minutes. This is refreshing. In addition to the
spectacular
drums, far to the right of the stage there is a trumpet and occasional
keys.
It's not often that I hear trumpets with this genre and it is a welcome
edition. I'm surprised that more bands of this ilk don't incorporate
more brass
as it seems to be a natural fit. In no way is it overpowering but
punctuates
the pieces, adding occasional soft rock flair. Lastly I would be remiss
not to
mention the crowd work. It was exceptional, brief and funny. For what
it’s
worth bands booked at Jammin’ Java are generally very good at this.
Pigpen Theatre Company - Like
Morningsiders before them, these players are from New York City. Playing together for almost a
decade now they have received some serious praise not only for their music but
also their plays. That's right, they moonlight as playwrights. Just thought
that was beyond interesting. They begin with a longer composition, punctuated
by a seven man harmony. What they lack in fiddle, they more than make up for it
with a banjo. Though I imagine that with the amount of people on stage it won't
be long before one makes an appearance. It's difficult to keep track of all the
instruments; well it's not that difficult, but in my defense there is just an
abundance of stuff. A cover of
Signed
Sealed Delivered follows soon after the instrumental acrobatics, complete
with dueling guitar and keyboard solos. The lead guitar sounds phenomenal. In
fact everything sounds really good tonight. Considering the amount of musicians
and variety of instruments, the sound guy did an amazing job. And keeping with
their theatrical leanings, Pigpen Theatre Company breaks the forth wall so to
speak. Slowly making their way off the stage they set up near the bar for a few
songs. For the most part we just sat and watched but the unpredictability of
such a performance is the most exciting part. It's clear that Pigpen Theatre
Company are more confident but that can be said of the people that surround
them. During a quick break two men ran past to use the restroom. The first two
songs on the floor were accented by an accordion adding a certain melancholy to
the quiet. Not to knock Morningsiders, but this is the type of audience
participation that works; though I can't really fault them for our lack of
rhythm. Returning to the stage, they finally give us a taste of the music they are
composing for one if their plays. There is a clear difference in style. It's so
much more about evoking a feeling rather than the traditional. It almost sounds
if they are running through a medley; sadness, dread, nostalgia. I always
second guess coming to Jammin’ Java and I am more often than not pleasantly
surprised with interesting and varied performances; tonight was no exception.
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