Live Review & Photos: Concrete Blonde, Jim Bianco, Aster Pheonyx @ Stone Pony 12-14-12

Concrete Blonde are a force of nature. They run the entire spectrum of musical weather patterns. They can quickly run from the quiet, reflective sound that morning raindrops make, right up to the sheer howling fury of a hurricane unleashed. On this particular December night, Johnette, James, and Gabriel brought both a healing natural touch and a powerful reminder that even in the most trying of times, the music of the soul can help a scattered humanity find a soothing corner to stand in until the storm passes.

Opening with a reflective "Rosalie", before shaking our foundations with a dynamic cover of Midnight Oil's "Beds Are Burning" and a surprise early entry for their biggest hit "Joey", Concrete Blonde were not content to go through the motions, nor let the crowd do the same. As the set progressed, the band immediately found a deep connection with the audience, a crowd that understood and supported the band when they started "God Is A Bullet" and then stopped a few bars in, admitting that they could not play this particular number, in light of the tragedies that have happened in the last week (I'm sure you are all quite aware of those horrible events). Jim Mankey's tasteful, shimmering guitar lines were the perfect counterpoint to the wall of sound that is Johnette Napolitano's voice (which has shown no signs of wear and tear over the years). Drummer Gabriel added the right amount of muscle when called for, and sensitivity on an instrument not known for gentleness. The setlist ran the course of their many years (with particularly wonderful and intense readings of "True", "Everybody Knows", and "Bloodletting"), it seemed that once they closed in on the two hour mark, there was nothing left to give. So the Concrete three wandered off into the night, all their soul spent, with no encore in sight. That's okay. They did their job. They got us to dance, sing along, and feel a little something to the left of despair. Something called hope.

Opening act Jim Bianco was one man with a guitar, that in a matter of moments could win you over with charm, humor, and poise, like that slightly nefarious wayfarer that blew into town with Tom Waits, but stayed behind only to get caught in a compromising position with the local magistrates daughter. This guy has some great songs, and knows how to wow a crowd. I love the fact that he could do his show anywhere, at anytime, under any circumstances. Have guitar, will travel. Check him out.

- Jason Ingstrup

www.concreteblondeofficialwebsite.com

www.jimbianco.com

www.theasterpheonyxproject.com

Photos by Lazlo
(click on photo to see full size)

Aster Pheonyx

Jim Bianco

Concrete Blonde
(Just as Concrete Blonde were getting on stage I was informed I could only shoot photos from an area 40 feet from the stage. Not knowing this in advance, the camera I was using was not made for distance shooting. I apologize for the quality of these photos.)