LOCATION: Taft Theater, Cincinnati, OH
LINEUP: Karin, Linford, Jack, Wade, Dale
REVIEW BY: Various Listees
Dan Temmesfeld
this email sponsored by The Jive Server... http://ccwf.cc.utexas.edu/~eclectic/toys/jive.html great show last night. 4 real. Linford in red. Wade Jaynes from Steve Taylor fame on da bass guitah'. Jack, buzzin' away. Dale "da shaka'" Baka' on drums. Karin, as sexy as eva', in some shiny ebony top an' red skirt. badass setlist, great selecshun o' tunes. kinda' some short concert, though, I-M-fin'-O... but badass. :) favs wuz "I Transista' Haiven" an' "Miles." they played deuce fresh Christmas tunes- "Darlin', It be Christmas" an' "All I Want 4 Christmas be Blue" (down low, o' sump'n t' dat effect). da opena's wuz badass. Erin wuz spunky fresh, but we only caught one o' ha' tunes. Buddy an' Julie Milla' wuz supa' fine, but too loud. mah ears hurt. i likes Julie Milla's backin' vocals on da Vigilantes o' Love _audible Sigh_ album. Ted
I'm new to the list...and I LOVED the Taft show last night; alas, it was way too short :[ I think Jack sounded like Elvis Costello last night, my opinion...and I don't think Karin has looked/sounded better or had more energy (I've seen them about 5 or 6 times). The band was great...a fantastic lineup My highlights were her Ohio song, Miles, Lucy, and Darlin Xmas is Coming...I wish they were still playing!!! Rick Cassinelli II
I like the green yellow swallow tail song more and more. At the SouthGate House show (in September) it seemed very eerie because they had cut their backroads tour short within a week or two because Karin's mother had a stroke. The line something like "mother's not dead she is only sleeping" hit hard. Now the line seems softened but still has more power now than its first performances. Karin said it started as a song about Linford's mother and became a song about Karin's mother. I also liked the "will it make a difference when I go" very much. The old songs with a rock edge and the newer songs with a blues edge are a fine complement to their overall mix of song choices. For a couple songs all the warmup musicians plus Kim Taylor joined together. The extra songs by Jack Henderson were a special treat. I love Buddy and Julie Miller. The last time I saw them at SouthGate House Buddy was wearing an over-the-rhine patience t-shirt with a windup alarm clock at 9:30. It was a special treat to see them with over-the-rhine instead of by themselves. I missed the opener. Friday night Christmas shows make it difficult to first adjust to getting off work and then getting to the theater and finding parking. I was there at 8:00 and the first act was already over. I saw all of Buddy & Julie Miller. The sound system did not seem to be adjusted well for them and seemed too loud to me. The sound system seemed adjusted for over-the-rhine as far as I could tell. Someone else told me that they detected a buzz in the sound system. Over-the-Rhine went on at 9pm and played to about 10:50 including encores. The security people were quick to push people out of the auditorium--maybe that is why noone posted a set list. During the show one security person on each side of the stage was seated on chairs facing the audience. The show seemed too short to me but I never measured how long their normal show lasts. An hour and 50 minutes sounds like a normal length for a concert. There was some talking with the audience but it somehow seemed less than usual except for the part about asking who travelled the furthest. California or Oregon seemed to be the winner, then a man yelled "Hawaii". Karin did not seem to believe him. He yelled out that he had his drivers licence (I guess to prove that he really was from Hawaii). Don Smith
Okay, be warned. This may be entertaining, this may be insightful, but above all else, it will be long, random, and rambling. I'm zonked from lack of sleep, too many hours on the road (although certainly less than others), and OD-ing on caffeine. I don't know if that will make this more or less interesting. :-) Also, I'll say now that I'm not going to say anything about the actual Taft concert itself (except that I liked Erin's set a lot, OH ESTELLE! and the second act was just way too loud. My seat was three rows in front of the house right speakers, and I could barely set two feet in the back door of the house. So I stayed out in the lobby, where I *still* had to shout to be heard. If you're curious about the set list, look at my review of the Ann Arbor show, and stick Moth in there somewhere around track six or seven. Otherwise it was exactly the same. So, I thought it was a pretty run of the mill OtR show, which means it was wonderful, but not more wonderful than any other OtR show. Certainly for me, personally, the AA show was much better becuase I was involved, and because the band was much more relaxed and silly, and because I had leg room, which the Taft does not have. I think my knees are still sore.). The rest of this email will be all about the listee adventures. I took about 45 pictures, and once I get them developed (most are B/W, so it'll take a while), I'll scan in the good ones and put 'em up on the WWW. After the show was a bit of a mess. Linford had told me that they weren't doing backstage passes like last year; that I should just come on down. Well, of course they did have passes, and there was security, and it was pretty unpleasant. The security people were really obnoxious. Yz cracked a joke about us all being housebroken when they were trying to kick us out (i.e., we wouldn't cause any damage if they left us alone), and the guy just looked at her like she was from another planet (maybe it was the corset), and was completely nonplussed. Then the backstage shindig was really downbeat, compared with last year. No food, low energy... people seemed more tired than celebratory. Liesel and I realized that we wanted to get some food more than we wanted to hang around, so we ducked out and headed to Uno's. One thing I will tell you (those two of you who actually read all the way down to this paragraph) is that you should all get the new Monk album. It's mostly instrumental, with a few Christmas tunes. Rather reminiscent of TDNOTY, without Mary's Waltz or Thank You My Angel and with more percussion. A little Peter Gabriel influence, I think. Very mellow. There's even a Bach chorale on it. The album's called "How Like a Winter", and it just got back from the manufacturers yesterday. Very sweet. Good night, all, and I hope everyone else made it home safely, Dan
i'm finally home. i decided chicago wasn't going to happen around 2:30 on saturday when we were still at drew's for his awesome brunch. i dunno if anyone posted the setlist for te show, but it was almost the same as wednesday at the ark, except this time kim taylor didn't perform her own work, she sat in with otr for a few songs, it was still awesome. i was right in front of the soundboard, next to a few people who appeared to know the opening acts very well, but disappeared before otr came on - they won the tix on the radio anywho, so it's no big deal, not like they were fans. to my left was a group of four people who were very interesting - it was a mom with her daughter and some friends of theirs. turns out the mom was very much into otr back in the days of patience, but she no longer was - she said she was too old for it, but she was still responsive to jack's valentine. of course, linford gave up on the lyrics about halfway through, as usual. the lighting was done very nicely, much better than at the ark, of course, the ark didn't have much to work with in terms of lights. the show was still great, even though it was almost the same set (not at all the same show, though) as i had seen a few days beforehand. Jan:
he Taft was great, but I will echo what others have said on most points. Erin McKeown was good on her folky songs, but I didn't like her blues-y stuff as much. Just not believable, maybe. She looked 12 years old. Buddy Miller was good on guitar, but that is about the only good thing I can say. Their harmonies were nice, but Julie's voice annoyed me (Bruce likened her to Joey Lauren Adams), and the sound was WAY too loud. OTR was good. Really good, I thought at the time. Then later at Bruce's Don Smith brought out the Emery 96 video, and I remembered what OTR sounded like when they were *really* on. This is not intended to start a Ric vs. Jack debate at all. I like Jack's guitar work. At the 96 show, they just seemed so much more *into it,* you know? Anyway, I loved Karin's new Ohio song, and I liked hearing some FFR stuff done differently--When I Go with the full band, The World Can Wait without the band. Don Smith said it best. It was a typical OTR show--great, but the Taft was not different from other shows. The difference, of course, was the listees. I enjoyed meeting everyone at Uno's, at the show, at Bruce's. I am so sorry I couldn't make it to Drew's the next day, but there's always next year... Miles to go, Rick Callender:
i can write are a few brief notes these days, but suffice to say that the taft weekend was wonderful. i enjoyed the taft show muchly-o. erin is VERY short and her music is full of vigor. i pray jullie miller never grows up! i would see the millers perform again, if not for the fun factor alone. it was good to hear songs i never heard before from otr. i enjoyed jack's songs, too. his new album rocks. shake it up. Cincinnati Enquirer:
By Larry Nager
Like the holiday it celebrates, some of the best things about Over The Rhine's annual Christmas concert are the surprises. Every December, Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist bring their band back to town. Longtime fans know what to expect from the couple — carefully crafted, artful folk-pop sensually sung by Ms. Bergquist, backed by Mr. Detweiler's keyboards, longtime sideman Jack Henderson's guitars and a couple of hired guns on bass and drums. But it's the opening acts that make it an unexpected treat. Sometimes it's a veteran such as Leo Kottke (1999) or singer/songwriter Ron Sexsmith (2000); they often combine that with a newer act (Sixpence None the Richer (2000) or the Deanna Kirk Trio (97). Friday's OTR show at the Taft featured the veteran, hard-country husband-wife team of Buddy & Julie Miller along with relative newcomer Erin McKeown, in a wonderfully varied evening. It's been a tough second half of the year for the band. Ms. Bergquist's mom suffered a stroke this fall, forcing the cancellation of much of the group's tour and there was an edge of sadness in her singing Friday. OTR's 115-minute concert was much lighter on Christmas fare than past holiday shows and heavier on material from its fine 2001 CD, Films For Radio. From that CD came “I Radio Heaven,” “When I Go” and a powerful “The World Can Wait” sung by Ms. Bergquist backed only by piano. If there was any doubt she's a world-class torch singer, Ms. Bergquist laid it to rest with her smoldering new Yule song, “All I Ever Get for Christmas is Blue.” There were other Christmas songs, including the band's rocking midtempo “Silent Night” as well as an ensemble version of Steve Earle's “Pilgrim” that featured the opening acts and backup singer Kim Taylor. It would have been nice to hear more from Ms. Taylor. Instead, guitarist Henderson sang a mediocre original that featured a morbidly dense vibrato. That, together with an uneven sound mix, were the evening's low points. The Millers played a too-short 40-minute set blending hard-core country like "Keep Your Distance” with Ms. Miller's edgier rock. She was charmingly goofy, whether drumming on a black wastepaper basket or belting “O Little Town of Bethlehem.” Ms. McKeown began the evening with a smart 20-minute set that featured her fluid guitar, smoothly swinging vocals and clever wordplay. Kelvin Bailey:
I didn't know whether to do this or not...but what the heck...my thoughts on this past weekend (now that I have a moment to catch my breath). Erin McKeown! I'm a fan. Was she more like Frente with a jazz trip or Dave Matthews with an estrogen trip? I dunno, but I like her. And I'm still slapping myself for forgetting to buy her cd. The Millers - a bit disappointing. I really like Julie by herself, but together they were a bit to honky tonk for my taste. And why was he so frikkin' loud? I did dig it when she settled down and did "Broken Things". OtR - I must say, it was not the best OtR show I've seen. I agree with whoever said that Karin seemed a bit sad. Understandable. There a couple of times, though, when I think that actually worked for her. My favorite moments were 'I Radio Heaven', the first of the new Christmas songs, and 'Helpless' (even though I don't particularly care for Neil Young.) Linford - work on those lyrics to JV, buddy! Jeff Holland:
TAFT REVIEW A lot of my friends wondered why I would fly to Cincinati to see a band. After all, why couldn't I just wait until the band comes to Atlanta? Well, as I would explain, this is show is different. I had no idea how right I would be. Tiny Erin McKeown opened first on guitar and then Nashville veterans Buddy and Julie Miller came on stage. I was surprised to find out that their self-titled album is their first. I was sure they had more albums than that. Here's who was there and how they looked: The band was the five-piece that I've seen a couple of times lately: Linford was on stage right looking nice in a collared shirt and jeans. Looked like he had his keyboard in front and the Wurlitzer facing center stage. It also looked like he had a real Hammond organ behind him. I don't think he takes this on tour, does he? Karin looked sharp in a red dress and a backless, sparkly black top. Her hair was up. Karin played her accoustic guitar and played Linford's keyboard for one song. Jack was on stage left in his traditional garb. He's got a nice short haircut that makes him look a little more like Kevin Bacon and a little less like Nick from Family Ties. Behind Linford on stage right is Wade Jaynes, looking like he hasn't shaved in a couple of days with his teal Fender bass. In the back on stage left is Dale Baker. He's behind the glass wall. Karin remarked that he plays a "tiny drum set" but that he gets a lot of noise out of it. SET LIST: If Nothing Else When I Go I Radio Heaven Anything At All Faithfully Dangerous Darlin', Christmas Is Coming All I Ever Get For Christmas Is Blue Silent Night Moth Curse These Dreams Holy Rain World Can Wait Hello, Ohio Green Clouded Swallowtail Lucy Miles Helpless ---- Jack's Valentine Pilgrim The show started off by presenting most of the "Films For Radio" stuff. If Nothing Else When I Go I Radio Heaven Anything At All Karin says she's cool with bootlegs. Now you've gone and done it, Karin... Faithfully Dangerous The only Good Dog, Bad Dog song! When was the last time you went to a concert and heard only _one_ song from this album? Darlin', Christmas Is Coming When I was a little kid, my parents had a bunch of LP's like "A Dolly Parton and Kenny Rodgers Christmas" Y'know, stuff like that. Always makes me remember Christmas when I was young. This song kinda of reminded me of that stuff, with an upbeat sort-of country kind of sound. Kim Taylor joined the band on stage. She didn't open for this concert, but she is opening for the rest of the tour. Linford shared a story about how Kim and her husband lived with Karin and Linford for about a year at "The Grey Ghost." He has a strong belief that their first child was conceived at their house, but he didn't know exactly where. All I Ever Get For Christmas Is Blue It was like being in a smoky lounge without the smoke. Silent Night The only Christmas hymn, save Buddy and Julie Miller's wonderful rendition of "O Little Town of Bethelem". Moth They stepped up the tempo on this one. It rocked. Curse These Dreams I think this is the first time I've ever seen Jack play an accoustic guitar. This is a song that Jack wrote (its on his new album, _Cheap Tattoo_), but Karin sang it. Holy Rain I was prepared to hear the worst from Jack's voice. I've heard the MP3 and his voice was okay. I was pleasantly surprised that Jack's voice was warm, even inviting tonight and it made the song (which I do like) even better. Great. World Can Wait Karin and Linford only. Linford on keyboard piano and Karin singing. Hello, Ohio Karin did this solo on Linford's keyboard. I had never seen her perform a piece by herself and it was neat to see. Green Clouded Swallowtail Linford, Karin, and Jack only. Linford and Jack on accoustic guitar. Lucy Miles Does anyone remember when Linford would do a little "rap" at the end of this song? This would've been about 8 years ago. No rap tonight, but this song is one of my favorites and it was cool to hear it again. Helpless A Neil Young cover, right? Everyone, Buddy and Julie Miller, Kim Taylor, and Erin McKeown joined the band on stage for this one. Is it just me, or did the song sound *exactly* like "Little Blue River?" ---- Jack's Valentine Linford forgets the last verse of this one, but the crowd loved it. Jack played a little solo at the end. Pilgrim A cover of a Steve Earle song. Again, everyone joined the band. I expected most of "Films For Radio" with a couple Christmas songs thrown in, but got much, much more. The whole show was full of wonderful surprises for me. Sure, this may have been "just another" Over the Rhine concert for most people, but for those of us who don't live in the Midwest, this was special. This was only the beginning of a wonderful weekend. We had a great deal of fun driving around Cincinnati and discovering Over the Rhine landmarks like Kaldi's, Emery Theatre, Eden Park, etc. Wish we could've seen y'all at the brunch or at Uno's, but there was just too much to do. Here's hoping 2002 is great year for the band. Rumor is, they will be touring Europe as headliners...