Missing Records

It was a packed house at the Tractor Tavern this past Saturday night, so much so we had to stand outside for about 20 minutes just to get in. It was a beautiful warm night so we survived but we did miss the last half of opener Weinland. I had wanted to see them after checking out their great new video for "I'm Sure it Helps". 

We did get in to enjoy the entire set by the Head and the Heart. There were a lot of fans excited for the band and they did not disappoint. They played all the hits from their incredible self titled debut. The band is infectious and extremely heartfelt in their energized delivery. I could tell they were running on fumes at times having just played a string of shows and the night before at Seattle Center's Mural Amphitheater but they really laid it out, making for an amazing performance. I saw lot's of smiling faces throughout the crowd at the close of their set. 

I was so excited for Grand Hallway's set that I squeezed through the crowd to the front. The band opened with my personal favorite "Siren's" from their amazing LP Promenade. Chris Zasche plucked out the banjo on what would sadly be his last show with the band. I think I've seen him play about 10 times in the past few weeks with The Head and the Heart, The Maldives and Grand Hallway.  Chris will most likely focus on The Head and the Heart, who recently had to pull off the FENCES CD release show at the Crocodile on Sept. 23rd :(  It was also the last show for Grand Hallway drummer Joel Harmer who is preparing to tour with electronic shoegazers Sleepy Eyes of Death. This gives you a little idea of just how talented a group of musicians Grand Hallway is. The band played all the hits including "Seward Park", "Raindrops" and "Blessed Be, Honey Bee". (btw/ if you have not seen the video for Honey Bee, check it out.) It was a bittersweet night with Chris and Joel both playing their last show but it was also great because the performance was supercharged. Tomo Nakayama and Shenandoah Davis showed again why they are such a dynamic and electric musical pair. They wonderfully compliment each other and feed off each other and it's a true joy to watch. Same with Violinists Jaclyn Shumate and Alina To who sometimes seem as if they have a special club, teaming up for creative and expressive accompaniment. Bassist Kevin Large and guitarist Jeramy Koepping make it look so easy as they swap around instruments adding such perfect swells of sound. I never can quite figure out what instrument to listen to at any given moment but whichever I choose, I love! Truly amazing.

Was glad to hear Tomo say at the end of the night that it will not be Grand Hallway's last show and I'm excited to hear where these lineup changes take the band. Tomo and Shenandoah will be playing Bumbershoot and playing "the Round" along with Goldfinch this Saturday at 4:30 pm on the Northwest Court Stage. Don't miss it!