 Everything I Expected
Last night was a sweet and simple singer/songwriter night of music at the Caterina Winery. Local artists include William Allen, Henry Nordstrom, Matthew Winters and Justin Knittel from Portland who all serenaded the audience with romantic, sad, angry, and happy songs.
Justin Knittel reminded me of Elliott Smith in the first 10 seconds of his first song. He played three or so songs for us and it was cool to get a sample of who he is. I would like to be able to see him again.
William Allen is the singer from Toy Garden and I love love love love Toy Garden. I was so excited when he said he was having a CD Release Party on June 27th at the Empyrean Coffee House, I recommend you go. William played all new material for us, he was sick of playing all Toy Garden songs because he played those as himself and then with the band. He apologized if he didn't know them that well but I thought they sounded great. I loved his approach of using an electric guitar instead of an acoustic guitar as a singer/songwriter. It made him stand out and added an edge to his set.
 Henry Nordstrom was a timid man. He danced his way around the microphone and did a wonderful job during his set. His friend Mr. Woods was on the electric guitar adding in this extra sound that fit perfectly with Nordstrom. When he was playing he cut down the re-verb on his vocals majorly, he has a great singing voice. He sounded really good live!
Matthew Winters was everything I expected, his back up singers in the crowd were perfect and he sounded just the same. I am getting to know all of his songs now, I love being able to sing along during each one. He played a Alkaline Trio song that rocked and he even played Note to Autumn which is about this wild dream. He probably won't play it for a year or so now so I am glad I caught it! He ended his set with Wrenched Knuckles a new song off of his new album! Which he said will be out soon, he is working on it with the same guy who worked with William Allen.
Overall the night was relaxed and fun. It was quick and only $5 and we got to see some of the best male singer/songwriters in Spokane - what more do you need?
Andrea@checkitoutmusic.com |
