My introduction to David Vandervelde came at SXSW 2006. He played drums, as the only accompaniment, for Jay Bennett. He was subdued, but seemed like a pretty good drummer. Then, in January, Vandervelde released The Moonstation House Band, an impressive album that showcased his musical, songwriting, and production skills.
A little less than two months ago, Vandervelde came through Cincinnati area. He played a free show at Alchemize after he stopped by WOXY.com to play a Lounge Act set. Since he played a free show so recently I wondered how many people would turn out to see Sunday night’s show at The Southgate House in Newport, KY.
Located on the south bank of the Ohio River, Newport’s Southgate House is a unique venue. It is a nineteenth century mansion converted into a multiple-leveled music venue. The second-floor Parlour is a small room. There’s a four-inch “stage” with a bookcase in each corner. Some people say The Southgate House is haunter. This is the room where most of the ghostly sightings have been. You can read more about that here.
As Vandervelde walked to the stage area, it was apparent it would be an intimate set. The three-piece band opened with “Wisdom From A Tree.” While The Moonstation House Band is a lush album full of great production, smart arrangements, and varying instrumentation, this live show was an assault of powerful blues-rock. Drummer Derek W. James hastily walloped each beat on his four-piece kit. Richie Kirkpatrick vigorously kept the low-end steadily in motion on his bass and joked with the audience. He also took the time to drink from his Pabst Blue Ribbon while hammering on the beginning of “Feet Of A Liar” like a true road-weathered musician.
But the set belonged to Vandervelde. In addition to already being recognized as a studio musician and producer, he showed he is an incredible guitarist. While the band controlled each song as a unit, Vandervelde’s guitar guided the songs. Whether playing an electrifying version of the Rolling Stones’ “Cocksucker Blues” or cleaving through his catchy original songs “Jacket,” “Murder In Michigan,” or “Nothin’ No,” he played an energetic and astonishing show.
The added bonus that this show had over Vandervelde’s free February show was Richard Swift. Before this show, I had only heard Swift’s newest album, Dressed Up For The Letdown. I was impressed with the album, but not blown away. The five-piece band opened their set with the title track from “Dressed Up For The Letdown.” The most striking thing about Swift and his band is the diversity of the entire set. There were a few songs that were complemented with electronic drums. Most of the band changed instruments through – guitars, electric piano, synths, banjo, and multiple singers. The arrangements were layered and eclectic.
Swift’s voice sounds like a smoky blues singer – gnarled and soulful. From the jazzy playfulness of “The Songs Of National Freedom” to the poppy dynamics of “Kisses For The Misses,” the songs were just as diverse as the instrumentations. This was a great, comfortable show by two emerging talents.
David Vandervelde’s WOXY.com Lounge Act set from 2/23/07 (mp3) [removed] (Info about the set)
www.davidvandervelde.com
www.myspace.com/davidvandervelde
www.richardswift.us
www.myspace.com/richardswift
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