Well folks, I have encountered this question many times in the last couple months, “Hey Phishbeard, why do you go to so many shows, but haven’t posted reviews to everything you have seen?”. My answer to that question is hard to truly justify. I have been without my laptop for some time now and often I am on the road for numerous days before I even get a chance to sit down at a computer. Coupled with my crazy 2011 life experiences, my reviews have often taken a back seat. Shame on me! How dare I neglect my devoted fans of the concert experiences that they live vicariously through me? My goal is to get a new laptop in the very near future and bring it with me on my travels for now on. With that being said, I will be posting all of the 22 reviews that I have yet to write for 2011. I have dubbed these writing masterpieces… The Lost Reviews of 2011. Prepare for a hellride my friends.
The first review of many to come is about the Brandi Carlile show, that took place at Jaqua Concert Hall in Eugene, OR on 8/23/11. At the time, I knew nothing about Brandi Carlile other than that many girls really dig her music. That is always a bonus when you are single! I ended up taking a gal that I met, for our first and only date, to the show that night. The venue was packed except up on the balcony in the obstructed view area, which is where we sat. The opening band that night was another product of Seattle, Ivan and Alyosha. These guys were actually pretty decent for an opening band. We both really enjoyed the coffee house variety of music that they played. The band was quite uplifting and it was refreshing to actually get to listen to good music before the main act came out. One of their songs that I really enjoyed was called, Easy to Love.
I was pretty excited when Brandi Carlile and her band took the stage. She is very pretty and her voice is one that angels envy. I had no idea that she was a product of Seattle as well, until that night. Her banter was fun and worthwhile to listen too and all the music she played that night was fabulous. She did many covers that night including, Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues and the Beatles’ I’ve Just Seen a Face. She also did a very beautiful version of Hallelujah, which I am not a fan of, but she made it likeable for me. The 2 cellos definitely helped make that song full of sound and Carlile’s voice brought peace to the richness and strength of the band’s singing instruments. Unfortunately, I had my video of this song removed from Youtube by Sony and now my account has been flagged for copyright infringement. I apologize that I can’t post the video with this review, but if you would like a copy of it, feel free to drop me a line and I can get you one to check out.
Overall, both bands definitely impressed me that night. I will definitely be sure to see Brandi Carlile next time she is in the area. The music from both bands filled the old church that night with such harmony, that their worthiness to be played in the house of God was easily apparent. The wonderful music that was bestowed upon us that night, left me fulfilled and at ease. That evening was special to me and even though I never saw that girl again, I was am just thankful that I was fortunate enough to experience something new to me, that was so impressive. Really looking forward to seeing Brandi Carlile again in the near future. What a relaxing way to spend an evening, being surrounded by beautiful women and good music.
