Once again, the crowd made their voices heard during Waiting For The Tide as they sang the song’s solo-closing refrain in unison as guitarist Lo Faber ripped it up – a highlight of the evening. Other highlights included the gorgeous Bring Back The News first set closer, the raucous Wendy and the call-and-response-liciousness of Get On The Train.
The biggest complaint on a night when I had few about the music was the lack of jams. While we were treated to another masterful Gretchen solo by guitarist Aaron Maxwell, there was nothing that touched the group improvisation of last Friday’s Hellfire.
When GSW returned to the stage after a short encore break they busted out their version of Steely Dan’s Any Major Dude. I don’t think any band has influenced the quintet’s sound more than The Dan, so it was a fitting cover. Maxwell – who has one of the more unique voices in the scene – did a marvelous job with the vocals. A funky, Faber-led Brickhouse followed before the group came out with a Thirsty capper for the second encore.
Irving Plaza wasn’t sold out which might not have been ideal for the band but was great for those of us who like our space. Looking around the venue you couldn’t help but note all the happy faces and Winos dancing together. A big cheer went up from the crowd after Faber announced that “a shitload” of money had been raised for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society over the course of the two weekends. This chapter of the God Street Wine story concludes tonight at Irving Plaza. We can’t wait to see how it ends.
2 Responses
What a fun show. Love the basement after party comparison, that’s totally dead on how it felt. I really loved the end of the first set, that’s going to get some serious iPod playing time.
“last night’s GSW show at Irving felt like the after party in the basement we all used to hang out at back in the day……………but was great for those of us who like our space. Looking around the venue you couldn’t help but note all the happy faces and Winos dancing together.”
That exactly how I was feeling about the night. It really was a time machine back 17 years for me personally. Last night took me back to the old hometown shows at Rhinecliff Hotel and the first Irving Plaza gig they did. Now in my current hometown, Irving Plaza continues to be my favorite venue to see a show in NYC
I really was floored with the first 3 songs. Big Papa reminded me about the 712 Club tapes, which I dug up today!
Then for second set Feel The Pressure>AM Cigs.>Tide was the memory lane stroll I was looking for. And then the encore was the icing on the cake!
Thx for the great times GSW!