To begin, I have to start with how excited I was to play with one of the bands for this show. The Handsome Family doesn't play much here, and not only was I going to see a rare ABQ show from them, I was able to perform to an attentive and like-minded crowd. I biked downtown with my bass on my back and got there early to hear the sound check and knew it was going to be good after the full Family band played one verse. I was surprised at how many people I knew there, considering how anti-social I tend to be. At about 9:45 The Grave of Nobody's Darling started, and from the stage it seemed we did everything we wanted to do, played well, and got the full set without cutting any songs. I don't know how it sounded from the audience perspective, but it was full and powerful on stage. After our set I was kindly treated to some drinks (thanks!) and awaited Trilobite. Their line up is a trombone, bass, guit/singer/harmonica, drums, and a theremin/harmonium player. I was waiting for the sound to get better after a few tunes, but it never seemed quite balanced from the few places I stood during their set. The songs are well written and performed beautifully, and I hope to see them with a better balance in the future. At last B&R Sparks and crew took the stage after midnight sometime. Tonight Brett was singing (of course) and playing a hollow-body electric guitar, Rennie was paying a hollow body beatles-style bass and singing, Brett's brother Daryl was on drums (doing double duty after playing bass with Trilobite), a fellow on the banjo, one guy swapping off guitar, mandolin, and pedal steel duties, and another guy playing violin, acoustic guitar, and lap steel. The sound was nearly as perfect as the Launchpad could be. The performances by The Family were also stellar. I'm not really sure about how much 'dark country' or 'dark americana' is in demand, but if this show is any indication then it's no wonder why they are able to play and tour as much as they do. Thanks to everyone that came out, Cheers!
I was at my buddy's bachelor party (he's getting married this Friday), so I couldn't make it. I only knew about it the day before. Bummed I missed this show, but I was having a good time elsewhere (no strippers, not that kind of party).
