Don't worry about saving these songs! And if one of our instruments breaks, it doesn't matter. We have fallen into the place where everything is music.. The strumming and the flute notes rise into the atmosphere and even if the whole world's harp should burn up, there will still be hidden instruments playing. So the candle flickers and goes out. We have a piece of flint, and a spark This singing art is sea foam. The graceful movements come from a pearl somewhere on the ocean floor. Poems reach up like spindrift and the edge of driftwood along the beach, wanting! They derive from a slow and powerful root that we can't see. Stop the words now. Open the window in the center of your chest, and let the spirits fly in and out.
It has been close to six months since I've last seen BAM play anything live. I was excited to say the least, especially since I was seeing them in a new part of the country after seeing them for years out on the east coast. I had read that they had been moving in new directions, but I had no clue what I was in store for.
The Gothic Theatre in Englewood, CO is a magnificent venue. No matter where you are, you've always got a great vantage point of the stage. The turn out was quite small, but very enthusiastic. Regardless, I took advantage of the small crowd and took a spot near the front. It really is a much different experience to see BAM up close to see how they interact and create the magic that they do up on stage. They started out the set as they usually do, by feeling out each other patiently and being present with each other and the crowd. Tonights exploration was extremely dissonant and avant-garde. I hate to compare musicians to other musicians at times, but I couldn't help to hear elements of the AEC (Art Ensemble of Chicago), MMW and Tortoise floating throughout the air. Next was a schizophrenic-sounding blues song, which might be called "Poor Boy", but I'm not completely sure. A beautiful version of "Ambrosia Drunk" followed. This was the first time I heard this song and I'm still relishing in how good a lyricist Brad is, he really does paint pictures with his words. Next up was the first track from ALIVELECTRIC, "The Earth will Dissever and Consume You After These Messages". Long song name, but fantastic song. This was by far my favorite song of the night. It's got that indie-rock, melodic jazz thing going for it with some subtle drum'n'bass breakbeats. Both Brad and Marc ripped out some nasty solos while Andrew worked at keeping everything concise with impeccable drum work. It was here where I started to notice all the looping that BAM as incorporated in their sound. I loved how they used the loops here, one could barely notice it, which is not the same for some of the other songs from that night. Regardless, if this is the direction that their collective energies are moving towards, it looks to be exciting to say the least. Next up was probably the best "Witch in the Kitchen" that I have witnessed....really jazzy. This song really emphasized how BAM really acts like one big rhythm section at times. I suppose it connects back to the synergy that the three of these guys have on stage, I don't really don't feel that there are too many other acts that improvise as well as they do. At this point there were some sound and technical problems that were bugging Brad, specifically feedback from their amps or speakers. He responded to the technical problems by playing a "Sorry" that started off very abruptly, it didn't even seem if Marc was ready for the song. The beginning seemed sorta rushed, as did the ending. I faintly remember them using a loop during this song that didn't really seem to fit all that well. While I like the subtle use of the loop, too much usage seemed to take away from what they do so well (IMO). It also makes me realize how patient of a listener you have to be to truly enjoy BAM, which it seems like more people are being conscious of. This was evident at how quiet Slip fans can be during those quiet moments, something that I have and will always appreciate about Slip shows. The next three songs had Brad playing his acoustic guitar, the first was a song I had heard before, but don't know the name. It as a Delta/New Orleans Blues feel to it... anyone know the name? Next was the song titled "Predict the Rain", which had some beautiful lyrics that I was really able to connect with personally at the time. Their was another song that they did where Brad was taking his acoustic guitar and holding it up near his amp to get some reverb/feedback in a very Hendrix-esque way. The song was very minimalist approach-wise, but had so much going within the song you realize how patient one must be the experience the magic they provide on a nightly basis. STTN ended the set...this song as really developed and matured in the last couple of years. This nights version was really rocked out, but also had a beautiful improvised section by Marc. For the encore they played "Happy Snails" and "If One of Us Should Fall" While the Gothic show was much smaller and dissonant at times, the show at the Fox Theatre in Boulder was the complete opposite at times. The crowd was in full spirits and seemed really amped with energy for tonights show. They started the set off with another new song "Back in 15 Minutes". Another song that showcases Brad as a poet/storyteller as well as an instrumentalist. Next was another song that is featured on the new live album called "Headshot". This song starts off with the same funky breakbeat that Fuji starts off with until Brad comes in tapping his strings with some effect applied on top. They really stretched this one out, but in a really tasteful manner, especially with the loops. Next was a new vocal tune that I didn't get the name of, Brad had mentioned how they didn't even plan on playing it. Next was a so-so version of Built to Spill's "Carry the Zeros". They made up for it in full by playing one of the most devastating "Wolof" that I have ever heard. Andrew was on fire for this one, his arms move so fast at times you wonder if he's straped on to his seat at times. One of the best drummers alive....nuff said! For the next set, they started off with that Delta/New Orleans-ish Blues number that I mentioned above. After this they went into what I believe is being called "Decembers Children". My favorite song of the night for sure, mainly because Brad was using the sunburst guitar and getting some really nice jazz riffs within the song. I love how BAM uses jazz as the vehicle that they create songs with, but then always look to incorporate other styles to help complement the jazz element. It seems like the rock and pop styles are really being brought to the forefront as of recently, which I must say I am really digging. But for folks that used to their older material, it might take a little getting used to, but its all about patience I still feel. Next up we were given a treat with one of the most enjoyable "Love and Tears" I have heard. Brad was using Cleantone's green electric 12-string guitar and brought out the trombone player from John Brown's Body to help fill out the sound on a djembe/hand drum. They also had a trumpet player, but I didn't catch his name. I don't know if he is part of JBB, as it has been a while since I've seen them. Regardless, they stretched this one out and had it sounding like we were listening to the JB's...super funky! Brad played his solo on the guitar, while also playing it on a kazoo also...crazy shit! STTN followed, but wasn't played with the same intensity as the night before, but Marc still ripped out another beautiful bass solo. For the next song, Brad took at sit behind the electric piano and worked his way to provide us a classic version of the "Weight of Solomon". They encored with "Happy Snails" like the night before, but gave us a version of "Sorry" that definitly made up for the so-so version the night before. All in all, a great two nights of music that definitly stirred the soul! Wish I could've seen the other two nights in Colorado, but had the chance to fly back home and see Mark Prior and the Cubs out-pitch the Atlanta Braves 3-1. Sorry for the long review...hope this didn't bore ya'll too much! Oh yeah, just found the Rumi quote over the weekend...I thought of these Slip shows right away. Power to the Peaceful, cecil