Sunday Was BumberWet
Under an overcast sky we began the day with Iguales. These local boys have been slowly building a following over the past couple years. Each time we see them, they play in front of more energetic crowds. This former 3 piece, now 5 piece (though 1 piece was missing today) has hitched it up a notch with the extra percussions. Dig it and dance.
Next, we swung on down to the EMP to check out another local act, the Math and Physics Club. To avoid the line, we stood by the big screen and listened to what sounded kinda like Morrisey and Belle and Sebastian having happy time. By standing outside, we got to hear the music without having to fight the crowd or waste important festival time in a line.
McCaw hall was the place to be to see Bo Diddley bring the Bo Diddley beat. When he walked out on stage, he appeared as he was and is. An old man. His movements were slow and methodical. He seemed to have some trouble walking. When he sat down in his chair he fiddled with the pedals, guitar strap, tuning, and chords. There was a long respectful silence as the audience and the band waited patiently. His first couple songs reflected this slow and methodical visage.
While things were a little slow, his presence was enormous. Lyrics such as “make your body shake, like a California earthquake,” make you clap. He thanked the crowd, “because of you, I remained in this business.” After all, he has been making music for 50 years now.
His songs were stories and conversations inhabited by himself and other people that he has seen over the years. One song featured the chorus “Shut up woman” that began making us feel a little uncomfortable because of the way that it seemed to glorify domestic violence. Soon, as the “conversation” between the narrator (Bo) and the woman (a silent pause in the music) unfolds we learn that this was not only a cheatin’ woman but one packin’ a razor blade!! The narrator begins groveling and calling for help in its’ comedic climax. The song had begun in a raspy and ominous way but soon transformed into a farce.
Once Bo got hisself warmed up. He commented that it was a little “too quiet” and said “I’m going crazy and I want you to go with me.” He ripped into a rap with the refrain of “Can you handle it? Well, let’s dig it then.” Then, in Seattle, the home of the rhythmically challenged and uber-polite, he ordered everyone to their feet and got people shaking and clapping. This old man seemed to vibrate with energy and life, without moving from his chair. The force of his personality and flawless showmanship willed an entire crowd to follow his bidding.
After Bo schooled us on the roots of rock ’n roll, we took it down a notch over at the EMP with Damien Jurado. This preschool teacher - slash - “urban” folk star kicked off his set rocking WAY more than we expected. That folky boy got some dance moves. He rounded out his set by playing a few quiet songs without his backing band. These mellow acoustic ballads bring to mind Neil Young without the feedback.
Outside, it appeared that some rain had fallen. The chill in the air and the clouds in the sky suggested that we may get wet as we watched the Duhks at the Backyard Stage. The clouds eventually said “Good suggestion.” Our rain gear, used to typical Seattle drizzle, was no match for the downpour, and we were soaked to the core fast.
We made our way back to McCaw Hall to get a good seat for Jesse Sykes and the Sweet Hereafter and Son Volt. The haunting sounds of Jesse and her band, consisting of a stand up bass, violin, lead guitar, drummer and rhythmn guitar, are perfect for sleeping, reading or intimate dinner parties. If you like Neko Case, Cowboy Junkies, Emmylou Harris or Mazzy Star - check em out.
Son Volt took the stage to thunderous applause. To review….Uncle Tupelo, the band that allegedly inspired, or was labeled as the prototype of, the alt-country movement had two main songwriters, Jeff Tweedy and Jay Farrar. Jeff Tweedy went more to the alternative side of things and formed Wilco. Jay was more country and formed Son Volt. However, both bands have matured and continue to evolve. Jay Farrar has recently had a successful run as a solo artist for the past couple years. Son Volt has a new album out now that is little more rock than country - at least what we have heard of it so far.
We headed outside to find music with a little more energy than the staid McCaw Hall could provide. We found our way over to the Backyard Stage for Hothouse Flowers. We were under mistaken impression that this band was an electronic dancey band which was featured in the movie 24 Hour Party People (that was actually Happy Mondays).
This crazy band had a guy dressed in a Sherpa looking outfit, another guy with long gray hair and a muscle shirt, and a couple of middle aged lookin’ guys in T shirts. The Sherpa looking guy (who was white, and sounded Irish) was the band leader and he jumped around the stage laughing with his band members and stiring up the smallish crowd. The crowd danced enthusiastically. The Irish sure know how to rock a party. Their sound went from David Byrnesque world beats to 80’s hair metal to gospel. The combined rhythm of the vocals and drums created a unique spin on what could have been by-the-numbers sounding lead/rhythm guitar-drum-bass-vocal lineup.
Finally, we ended the night at the mainstage for a couple songs from Elvis Costello. He was solo on an acoustic guitar, something we are a sucker for. We heard him sing “God’s Comic,” a song about the craziness of the world, and with it came a little social commentary on the response to the hurricane.
He ended his set with “Alison” (he played an encore, but we were too tired to stay). As his voice echoed off the Space Needle on this beautiful, mournful ballad, we watched a sign language interpreter act out “my aim is true” in sign language for someone with a hearing impairment.
One more day of Bumbershoot coverage left.
