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| From | Brian Kassan <brian@powerpop.org> |
| Subject | Re: Stamey/Holsapple (long) |
| Date | Mon, 19 Jan 2004 11:13:11 -0800 |
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I think this was a one-time deal as Peter was in town to do a tribute show
and I believe he has to hurry home as his Mother is not well. Apparently,
Chris & Peter performed together for the first time in years at an Alejandro
Escovedo benefit (sorry it the spelling is wrong) and decided to do a show
in Los Angeles while they were both in town.
This was their first show together in 10 years according to the mc of the
night. What can I say? First of all, I never thought I would ever see them
perform together, so this was a complete thrill for me. Performing
acoustically (with Chris on the piano for "Moving In Your Sleep" and some
others), they were fantastic. I was with my wife and Nelson Bragg (drummer
for Cloud Eleven, the Now People, the Quarter After, the Mellow Cads, and
who will be filling in for Mike D'Amico on the upcoming Brian Wilson "Smile
Tour" as percussionist/vocalist). We almost didn't recognize Peter as he
has shaved his head and has a goatee. Chris looks exactly the same as he
did on the cover of "It's Alright" except for his salt and pepper hair.
Chris seemed a little nervous and his stage patter was off the wall, but
funny. Peter seemed more at home citing a lot of live performances lately.
Both were funny; took little shots at each other, but you could tell they
both loved each other and were genuinely giddy to be performing together
again. Their musicianship just blew me away. Their songs are so good, it
overshadows their excellent guitar technique. Not just your run of the mill
folk strumming, both played lots of tasteful licks and runs throughout that
really enhanced the music. I hope someone recorded this.
Not only did they play a number of selections from the awesome "Mavericks"
cd, but they also did brand new tunes of each other's that seemed well
rehearsed. Both announced they were working on new solo records. While
Peter strained just a bit on some of the higher notes (and he did joke about
it), Chris was spot on and their harmony was generally excellent --giving me
chills. I can't remember all the songs, but they also did material from the
first and second dB's lps as well...."Big Brown Eyes" "Nothing is Wrong"
"From a Window to a Screen" Man, it was just incredible to hear them do
these tunes. To me, the dB's were the Beatles of the 80's--my college
years.
Nelson and I both were able to actually meet them both after the show from
an introduction by Andrew Sandoval (who opened up for them with a nice
acoustic set from his new cd Happy to Be Here). Many of you probably know
him from his liner note/production work on many a re-issue. I brought my lp
copy of "Repercussion" to have them both sign and Nelson brought his
Mavericks Poster (store poster with two beagle dogs with hats on..remember
that?) for signing. Both graciously signed our items and chatted with us.
I couldn't believe I was discussing about Judee Sill with Peter who said
that Rhino Handmade might put out "Like This" if they can find enough
"bonus" material to make it worthwhile. Chris is a little more quiet and
reserved, but equally friendly. I was kinda a starstruck and just listened
to them speak with the other IRS alumni, rock critics and fans who made it
upstairs after the show.....what a night! These guys are SO important to me
personally as songwriters/artists and the show exceeded my expectations.
Brian
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