Why Tom Waits has cojones part 2
I want to give a quick shoutout to the boys, and draw attention to the musicians help Tom bring forth one of the most incredible concert performances I have ever witnessed (twice this tour, unless anyone out there wants to get me tickets and airfare to Europe? =D)
I want to point out that this band was able to take on Tom's challenge of learning around 70 songs in less than 4 weeks, except Seth Ford-Young, who came in one week or so later after it was made apparent that Larry Taylor wouldn't be on this tour. Truly a testament to his own talents to walk the plank into a band that has already been jamming and building chemistry for over a week.
Add on top of that learning someone else's parts, each trying to put their own stamp on it, but while still paying respects to the original that is so revered. Oh, and in case you haven't figured it out yet, Tom is a very dynamic performer, never performing anything the same way twice (even successive nights). So this band must also learn to watch and listen for queues as Mr. Waits directs the band from his tiny carnival barker stage, sometimes adding parts unexpectedly on the fly.
Tom's music is of course rich in imagery, and by that, I mean the music and sound effects help tell the story that Tom is singing, howling and grunting forth from his lil' pulpit of funkiness. "I said a sound with more purple elephants. And no bells this time dammit!" You get the idea of what these guys are pulling off now?
I must also point out that while Tom is obviously challenging this group to new heights every night, he also seems to be recognizing the force of nature they are becoming, and is also rising to the challenge they present back to HIM! Each night Tom's voice, stage presence, creativity and level of personal inspiration seem to be consistently topping all expectations, and that's saying a lot when you look back the past 35+ years.
So here is a tip of rum to the band, road crew, and of course Tom, pulling off these amazing feats before (some of) our very eyes and ears!
I want to point out that this band was able to take on Tom's challenge of learning around 70 songs in less than 4 weeks, except Seth Ford-Young, who came in one week or so later after it was made apparent that Larry Taylor wouldn't be on this tour. Truly a testament to his own talents to walk the plank into a band that has already been jamming and building chemistry for over a week.
Add on top of that learning someone else's parts, each trying to put their own stamp on it, but while still paying respects to the original that is so revered. Oh, and in case you haven't figured it out yet, Tom is a very dynamic performer, never performing anything the same way twice (even successive nights). So this band must also learn to watch and listen for queues as Mr. Waits directs the band from his tiny carnival barker stage, sometimes adding parts unexpectedly on the fly.
Tom's music is of course rich in imagery, and by that, I mean the music and sound effects help tell the story that Tom is singing, howling and grunting forth from his lil' pulpit of funkiness. "I said a sound with more purple elephants. And no bells this time dammit!" You get the idea of what these guys are pulling off now?
I must also point out that while Tom is obviously challenging this group to new heights every night, he also seems to be recognizing the force of nature they are becoming, and is also rising to the challenge they present back to HIM! Each night Tom's voice, stage presence, creativity and level of personal inspiration seem to be consistently topping all expectations, and that's saying a lot when you look back the past 35+ years.
So here is a tip of rum to the band, road crew, and of course Tom, pulling off these amazing feats before (some of) our very eyes and ears!
Labels: Cojones, Glitter and Doom Band, Tom Waits
posted by hoistthatrag.com @ 3:33 PM
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