 Sweeter Than Chocolate Milk
There is something about the brick walls with no windows, low ceiling decorated with white Christmas lights, and concrete floor that make the big concert room at the Empyrean Coffee House feel like a secret getaway in the middle of nowhere. Maybe it takes imagination, but whenever I am in that room and the music sounds so clear and sharp I just get wrapped up in the environment and sound that I feel like I am at my very own private show. It's me and the artists, does anyone else ever feel that way there? I hope so, because it is such a cool experience. I love it. Tonight Matt and I enjoyed music from Mark Ward and his fellow fellows, Karli Fairbanks/ Power Und Beauty, Musee Mecanique, and Laura Gibson. It was an evening filled with indie folk, blues, Americana, country.
 Tonight I opted for a chocolate milk and enjoyed studio quality sound from Mark Ward. I was blown away by his talent, and his ability to rock out on an acoustic guitar. Joel Smith joined Mark Ward on stage playing the guitar, banjo, whistling, and rockin' a blue glockenspiel that matched his shades. Joel is a really good whistler, I am so jealous I can't whistle! They played a new song for us that they have never played live before, joking about how we will receive a certificate on our way out the door. I liked that they encourage the crowd to dance awkwardly in front of people. I adored the ukulele on the last song and overall their performance was beautiful. Mark I am glad you really didn't break the ukulele but it was a nice touch! It sounded so sharp, they were fun.
Karli Fairbanks looked so graceful playing the guitar and singing in her white dress. She is very smooth and relaxed when she plays. It was cool to see her with her girlfriends up on stage and no backing band, either way it sounds great. Caroline and Harvy were adorable, the three of them together (even though Harvy is still inside his mommy's tummy) were cute. I hope I am spelling his name right! Karli played her most upbeat happiest song "Needle & Thread," along with a new song she just finished and wrote, and some of her older songs. It was a good variety. I hope she finishes some more new songs because like Laura Gibson said Karli's voice just knocks me over.
Towards the end of her set, her other friends joined her and Caroline making Power Und Beauty. Und is and in German. Their first song was called Lavender and Karli rocked the accordion that matched her outfit perfectly. The second song was my favorite and Karli wrote the lyrics from her favorite Emily Dickinson poem. I know that a baby will be born and people will move but I look forward to hearing more from Power Und Beauty, nicely done ladies it was a lot of fun.
 After Karli came Musee Mecanique, they were magical. I know they said Laura Gibson is magical and that she is made from magic but since the two are somewhat together (the bands) I think the magic rubs off on both groups. Kaylee Cole told me about how great this band is and that it was a must I saw them. She also mentioned how her favorite song was These Are The Things That I Know, and they played it. I am sure she was on Cloud 9. Musee Mecanique had a lot going on. There were glockenspiels, keys, buttons, tubes, guitars, drums, you name it and more! I like how they said we were a intimidating polite crowd. Then someone yells screw you, they thanked him. When does that happen at a show?
I also liked how the two main vocalists (they also played instruments) switched throughout the set. Their sound was just as clear and sharp as both bands before. The soundboard guy was rockin' it. It gave my goose bumps it sounded so good in that room. People were quite and respectful, you could even hear one of the guys tapping his hands on his knees on stage - over the mic. It was great. They rocked it to a tee. Hopefully they come back soon!
The night ended with Laura Gibson in a darling apple dress and pigtails. She was also joined be the same two gentlemen in Musee Mecanique that I mentioned earlier. This time one was behind drums with a banjo around his neck and playing a glockenspiel while the other was behind a keyboard/mixing board with an accordion. For as simple as the sound was there were tons going on. It was cool to watch. The three of them have amazing harmonies. They sound wonderful together.
 Laura shared a confession with the audience at the Empyrean that night but she said she would only share it with Spokane and I think its only fair that it stays at the show, but Laura I am so there with you. Laura timidly sang her songs throughout the night with this folk beauty sound surprising us with an amazing cover of "Take This Waltz" by Leonard Cohen. I was excited to hear a Leonard Cohen cover that wasn't "Hallelujah", not that it is a bad song but everyone takes a shot at it. It was cool that Laura took a shot and hit the bulls-eye with Take This Waltz. Spirited is my favorite song by her, I am glad she played it- even if it wasn't a surprise and it took a second try. Laura ended her set with a song about family called "Glory." Her whole set was really cool. I recommend you check out her Myspace and give her songs a listen. Great singer, writer, and artist the whole night was that way. It was a relaxed show on a Monday that was the perfect way to start out the week!
Check out more pics from the show HERE!
Andrea@checkitoutmusic.com |
