Grand Hallway Record Release - Neumo's/Sonic Boom
Sometimes we can treat our favorite bands a little bit like they are our own children. We love watching them develop their own personalities and grow. We are proud of their achievements and we can be a little hurt by their struggles. We brag about them to our friends and maybe even get a little possessive of them at times. We also sometimes might think a bit nostalgically about "when they were little."
In watching Grand Hallway's triumphant performance at a packed out Neumo's last night I found myself experiencing some of these very emotions. The show was a celebration to release the band's latest album Winter Creatures, and as a long time fan of the band I didn't want to miss it. I had pre-ordered the album from Porchlight Records a month ago so I was already familiar with the new songs, and I was excited that the band would be playing the album in it's entirety.
As I watched and listened, I began to notice how the band has changed over the years. Violinist Jacyln Shumate was playing a bit more keyboards and her long time partner in crime Alina To was noticeably missing. There was a new keyboard player and multi-instrumentalist and I was still getting used to new drummer, Brian Wright. Thankfully, Jeremy Koepping, Kevin Large, Shenandoah Davis & Tomo Nakayama were all still there to help me feel secure. I have to admit, I do miss seeing former members Alina, Chris and Joel up there, brining their unique energy to the songs. But I was also really enjoying how the band has evolved.
The new lineup and the new songs aren't a huge departure from what we've come to expect from Grand Hallway, but there are some changes. Tomo Nakayama, the band's nucleus and songwriter, exhibits a refinement in his songwriting that only comes from experience. He wisely doesn't stray far from the musical formula's he's perfected, but the songs seem clearer and cleaner in their message and musical approach. This maturation and the slight changes in the accompanying instrumentation, create subtle changes in the overall Grand Hallway sound.
While it's clear that Tomo's genius is at the heart of Grand Hallway, I have always been adamant that Shenandoah is at the very least the lungs. Her vocal contributions and dynamic piano melodies more often than not, breathe life into Tomo's gentle hymns. She also seems to inspire him to let go and really belt it out, and I love it when the pair lead crescendos at the same time. When it was revealed that she would be taking a "leave" from the band I was instantly saddened. I am still getting used to the latest changes, I can't handle this! (this would be the slightly possessive part I mentioned earlier) I am not sure if she will be back, but I for one will remain hopeful that it's not permanent.
After playing their new record, the band launched into a string of greatest hits. It was so joyful, I felt like I was both looking back in time and able to be totally present. From Blessed Be, Honey Bee, to Raindrops, to one of the best performances ever of Sirens, to the magnificent classic, Seward Park. I truly enjoyed all of the new elements that more recent band members brought to the songs. New drummer, Brian cut loose at the end of Sirens and seemed to come alive after what had been a very steady, albeit somewhat safe performance throughout the band's set.
In the end, as the attentive crowd roared with enthusiasm and thankfulness, I couldn't help but feel proud. I feel blessed to have been able to watch this incredible band evolve and mature over the years, and I'm so happy that they've become such hometown favorites. The band heads off today on a west coast tour to promote the new record and are playing in Portland tonight with Drew Grow & the Pastor's Wives. But don't worry, If you missed the show at Neumo's last night you can still catch the band do a live in-store tomorrow and grab a copy of the new album. 4pm, Sonic Boom/Capitol Hill 1525 Melrose Ave [ map ]