As a solo act, it’s never easy to command attention. Sure Wakey!Wakey!’s Mike Grubbs was the only person on stage during his set at TT the Bears in Cambridge on August 26th. Who else are you going to look at? But solo acts are all too easy to dismiss. The music is quieter. It might seem like a good time to grab a beer or catch up with a friend.
I saw some of that behavior at the Wakey!Wakey! concert and it hardly comes as a surprise since Mike Grubbs—shockingly unknown in these parts—is methodically building his Boston presence with an eye toward filling our local venues like he can pack the Mercury Lounge in New York.
But just a few notes from Mike Grubbs’ piano or organ is all it has ever taken to get a crowd to stop what they’re doing and begin paying attention to this native Virginian who grew up surrounded by a family heavily involved in church music. Grubbs’ orchestral music—and that is really how it is meant to be heard—obliterates the audience’s natural skepticism toward a solo act. The expansive nature of his voice and music begs you to give him at least a few minutes of careful listening.
We have yet to see a set where Wakey!Wakey! hasn’t converted 90% of the crowd by the end of a show. That takes intimate music, a strong helping of talent and intricately imagined songs, all things Wakey!Wakey! has in abundance. Throw in Mike Grubbs’ fantastic pipes, his ability to shred the piano (yeah, I said it ... Mike Grubbs shreds the piano) and you’ve got yourself a band building buzz all along the Northeast.
We continue to be impressed with this man’s music if not his 8-ball game.
Download Wakey!Wakey!’s Live at the Bowery Ballroom for free. Catch Wakey!Wakey! in Boston on Wednesday, September 17, 2008 at TT the Bears where he will (we hope) be supported by a full band.
Also playing at the show that night was Atomictom, a Brooklyn band composed of Luke White on vocals, Eric Espiritu on guitar, Phil Galitzine on bass and Kevin Rice on drums. We can safely say that they thoroughly rocked the place as the opening set and we’d love to hear more of them in the future.
Particularly of note was the band’s “You Always Get What You Want” which you can hear on their MySpace page. Scroll down for pictures, including Eric’s guitar after he rocked out the group’s closing song (it’s safe to say he left a little bit of himself on stage).
Two songs go in, one comes out. Pick a side.
thanks so much nadine! probably the best compliment a photog can get!
and thanks for reminding me to embed the video in the post too!
by Steve Benoit on Sun May 20, 2012 at 09.33 am from the entry: Father John Misty + Har Mar Superstar - Brighton Music Hall (Boston, MA; May 16, 2012)
I can’t get over how these photos captured my up close memory of the night.
by nadine on Sat May 19, 2012 at 11.08 pm from the entry: Father John Misty + Har Mar Superstar - Brighton Music Hall (Boston, MA; May 16, 2012)
Or should it be whoever? F my grammar.
by nadine on Sat May 19, 2012 at 10.30 pm from the entry: Father John Misty + Har Mar Superstar - Brighton Music Hall (Boston, MA; May 16, 2012)
Whomever took these photos certainly captured the night!
by nadine on Sat May 19, 2012 at 10.26 pm from the entry: Father John Misty + Har Mar Superstar - Brighton Music Hall (Boston, MA; May 16, 2012)
“Mindkilla” is awesome. I’ve got this music video last week and really impressed through watching every performance particularly “Glass Jar”. Thanks dude. :)
dance contest
by Mark Waugh on Thu May 17, 2012 at 05.54 am from the entry: Gang Gang Dance's Illuminating "Mindkilla"
Also, I have yet to pay this venue a visit, is it good spot? good people, good vibe, good atmosphere?
... man, i hope i win some tickets…
by Jaz Bonnin-Aldatz on Thu May 17, 2012 at 12.27 am from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Looking forward to the show. Would love to win some tix for my pals.
by MC Breath on Wed May 16, 2012 at 07.40 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
