Hours before going to Pianos on Friday for an event, I tried thinking of reasons not to go. Walking along Ludlow street I could feel the collective energy of the area, mingled with the dying light, illuminating the worn-down streets. By the end of the show, I was glad I showed up.
 |
| Melis Aker |
I took a stool at the the darkly-lit bar in a medium size-room with a stage; while most of the performers mingled amongst themselves, like old friends. And as Melis Aker started her set, I slowly began to warm-up. There was certainly something pouring out of her, into the dark back-room. The lovely voice merging with poignant lyrics that obviously emanated from her passion, and some place quite private. Her compelling rendition of "A case of you" by Joni Mitchell cemented the moment, leaving all present throughly satisfied. She's certainly as talented as she is easy on the eyes.
 |
| Melis Aker |
 |
| Anna/Kate |
As soon as Anna/Kate took the stage and the first song commenced, something magical happened. The ukulele, passion of feelings through their voices, along with the rest of the band [Mark on Bass, Brian on Drums, & Melissa on Cello] made for a unique sound that could not be ignored. An upbeat, almost pop-sound quality to the music, yet never just saccharin, but from a laid-back personal source, laced with the pain of having lived. Love is a recurring theme, whether directly or indirectly, [there are a few love-songs on the EP] as is the nature of their [Anna/Kate's] queer-sexuality - giving the feeling of raw honesty.
 |
| Anna/Kate |
 |
| Lily Virginia |
 |
| Lily Virginia |
The wait for Lily Virginia seemed too long, but certainly worth it. Having already known her music from her self-titled EP, to see her live was a thrill. She held the crowd with the power of her sound like gentle fire, poetic lyrics that allude to something unique. The music has a california vibe, folk-rock feel; light & playful like Sara Holtzschue's "Angel (For KRS)" & "For KB". But just as easy she can change pace with a track like "Yuriko", filled with potent-verses, anguish, longing joy & regret Like Patti Rothberg. Recently she made a cover of "Te Extrano" ["...a cheesy pop-song..." as she put's it], which she performed that night. And I have to say, it was really cool; her singing in Spanish, the vibe, the flow of the song. If its a cover of something cheesy, she made it beautiful. Her talent was flowing straight out of her, and filling up the room.
 |
| Lily Virginia |
 |
| Lily Virginia |
If you would like to know more, go to:www.melisaker.com, www.annakatemusic.bandcamp.com, or: www.lilyvirginia.com. 'Art is the reason, art is the way'
No comments:
Post a Comment