Show Review: Tim Reynolds, Knickerbockers, 3.27.06
I'm not sure how I'm going to go about writing these reviews, but I think for now I'll go with general impressions. I wasn't overly excited about going to see Tim Reynolds last night because of a long day at school, but a friend convinced me to go and I can say I'm a better person for it.
I missed the local opener, Tsumi, which is too bad, because I'd like to get my hands around as much local music as possible. I don't think I've seen Tsumi yet, which is too bad because the band has been kind about asking for some of my attention. It's sometimes difficult to commit myself to seeing three bands when I don't know much about any of them, and Tsumi lost the battle this round.
Ferrick was at the peak of her set when we arrived. Alone on stage with just her guitar she seemed pretty taken in by the crowd's appreciation for her efforts. I was also impressed. It was a smallish crowd, but one that seemed enraptured by her music and let it be known in between songs. Her music was described by my show companion "sounding like Sheryl Crow but it doesn't suck," though he added that her wasn't sure that meant he liked it. I thought it was fun, maybe a little too Lillith Fair in style for my liking, but not bad by any means.
I'd interviewed Tim Reynolds prior to the set for a preview in the Omaha City Weekly. Show previews are something I'm quite familiar with writing and sometimes they all seem to blend together with the same questions and answers. Sometimes though, the musician being interviewed will come up with something I know has to make it into print. In Reynolds case that sentence was: "I didn’t see any of George Bush’s sphincteral way of thinking and a media that doesn’t sell news just to get ratings," in response to a question about his recent tour experiences in Europe. Sphincteral isn't exactly a real word, but I love it nevertheless.
For his set, he too performed alone. Two guitars graced the stage, both acoustic, one a six-string the other with twelve. All I really knew about Tim Reynolds before doing research for the article was the "Live at Luther College" album he collaborated with Dave Matthews on. What I didn't know is that he is incredibly serious about his technique on the guitar. He used a variety of loops and sound effects to create songs I never would've thought could come from a guitar. At other times his finger speed was so tremendously quick I found myself wondering what kind of practice has to be put in to master such a skill.
The songs themselves weren't overly catchy or mainstream in the slightest. But to witness his skill is something I'm glad I got around to at least once. I don't think I'd go out of my way to see a repeat performance anytime soon. But if I was a guitar player it would probably be a much more rewarding experience.
As for the crowd during the show, it seemed to thin out about half way through Reynolds set, probably because of the early in the week date and time of night. Some of the people that stayed forgot how to not be obnoxious. Granted, sometimes I'm that guy so maybe I don't have the right to bitch. But Reynolds' music seemed the type that requires a good deal of concentration so to yell random shit out mid song seemed like it'd be considered tacky. Still though, yells of "You're a God!" and "Timmy!" (a la South Park) were still heard from time to time. This probably isn't casual knowledge, but I read in an interview that Reynolds HATES it when people yell out "Timmy!" at shows. I suppose his more dedicated fans know that.
After his set Reynolds walked into the bar area and into the Knickerbockers kitchen I think in preparation for shouts for an encore. But the sound guy turned on the house music and I think everyone figured they were good to go. He stayed in the kitchen for awhile before coming out to talk to fans, I wonder if there were any leftover George's tacos in there.
I'm not sure how I'm going to go about writing these reviews, but I think for now I'll go with general impressions. I wasn't overly excited about going to see Tim Reynolds last night because of a long day at school, but a friend convinced me to go and I can say I'm a better person for it.
I missed the local opener, Tsumi, which is too bad, because I'd like to get my hands around as much local music as possible. I don't think I've seen Tsumi yet, which is too bad because the band has been kind about asking for some of my attention. It's sometimes difficult to commit myself to seeing three bands when I don't know much about any of them, and Tsumi lost the battle this round.
Ferrick was at the peak of her set when we arrived. Alone on stage with just her guitar she seemed pretty taken in by the crowd's appreciation for her efforts. I was also impressed. It was a smallish crowd, but one that seemed enraptured by her music and let it be known in between songs. Her music was described by my show companion "sounding like Sheryl Crow but it doesn't suck," though he added that her wasn't sure that meant he liked it. I thought it was fun, maybe a little too Lillith Fair in style for my liking, but not bad by any means.
I'd interviewed Tim Reynolds prior to the set for a preview in the Omaha City Weekly. Show previews are something I'm quite familiar with writing and sometimes they all seem to blend together with the same questions and answers. Sometimes though, the musician being interviewed will come up with something I know has to make it into print. In Reynolds case that sentence was: "I didn’t see any of George Bush’s sphincteral way of thinking and a media that doesn’t sell news just to get ratings," in response to a question about his recent tour experiences in Europe. Sphincteral isn't exactly a real word, but I love it nevertheless.
For his set, he too performed alone. Two guitars graced the stage, both acoustic, one a six-string the other with twelve. All I really knew about Tim Reynolds before doing research for the article was the "Live at Luther College" album he collaborated with Dave Matthews on. What I didn't know is that he is incredibly serious about his technique on the guitar. He used a variety of loops and sound effects to create songs I never would've thought could come from a guitar. At other times his finger speed was so tremendously quick I found myself wondering what kind of practice has to be put in to master such a skill.
The songs themselves weren't overly catchy or mainstream in the slightest. But to witness his skill is something I'm glad I got around to at least once. I don't think I'd go out of my way to see a repeat performance anytime soon. But if I was a guitar player it would probably be a much more rewarding experience.
As for the crowd during the show, it seemed to thin out about half way through Reynolds set, probably because of the early in the week date and time of night. Some of the people that stayed forgot how to not be obnoxious. Granted, sometimes I'm that guy so maybe I don't have the right to bitch. But Reynolds' music seemed the type that requires a good deal of concentration so to yell random shit out mid song seemed like it'd be considered tacky. Still though, yells of "You're a God!" and "Timmy!" (a la South Park) were still heard from time to time. This probably isn't casual knowledge, but I read in an interview that Reynolds HATES it when people yell out "Timmy!" at shows. I suppose his more dedicated fans know that.
After his set Reynolds walked into the bar area and into the Knickerbockers kitchen I think in preparation for shouts for an encore. But the sound guy turned on the house music and I think everyone figured they were good to go. He stayed in the kitchen for awhile before coming out to talk to fans, I wonder if there were any leftover George's tacos in there.
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Hey if you'd like to come check us out we're playing twice this week. Thursday 4-19 at The Zoo Bar with Vago opening and Sat in Omaha when we open for The Jazzwholes. Drop me a line and I'll buy you a beer... norm4eva@yahoo.com
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