Enola Gay, David Plell, Sallie Ford & the Sound Outside at the Empyrean on Saturday, July 17th
Enola Gay, I don’t know much about these four youthful creative spirits. We caught the end of their set and what got my attention was a) two pink/orange balloons, b) “to infinite” cardboard wings, c) barefoot drummer, d) unique sound. Also they are the first band I have seen use the lights at the Empyrean for effect. I am very intrigued with them. Quirky singing, chanting, and tempos that all worked together. I also enjoyed how the bass player put a mac apple sticker on his bass. I want to see them again, it was out there and cool. Hint of Space Opera 77 love going on there… who knows. Guess i’ll just have to see them again.
I love David, he is just the friendliest nicest uubbbeerr talented kid who up and went to Japan and tonight just happens to be his first show since he has been back. I would love to get inside of his head for an hour and just take notes. On stage with David was not a full band but an acoustic guitar and two gentlemen eating an Italian Dinner (spaghetti, French bread, and all). It wasn’t super distracting but more or less made me (for some odd reason) want to drop the city of Paris behind them. Yep. I don’t know, never even been to Paris but it seemed fitting. I enjoy the lyrics of David’s music too, one line that I had to share, it’s not exact but along the lines of …when the end is near I want to have a beard to show how wise and far I’ve traveled. I am not a man and I want a beard now. If you haven’t seen David live before, you will be shocked at how much his face changes and mouth moves when he sings. He’ll also give you a new take on playing an acoustic guitar fast. It was great to hear his irreplaceable voice again. I look forward to a few more shows from him before the summer is over.
I couldn’t take notes during Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside. I just wanted to dance. But I couldn’t do it until other people danced and it’s this big stupid rule I have because I am a chicken. None the less thanks to one of my best friends Rhiannon I was able to dance to a few songs. I adore Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside so much; I wish they were from Spokane so we could see them more. Sallie’s vocals just put me in a 60’s mind set and I love the stand up bass. They are a very tight band and music for all age’s ears. It’s great to sit back and listen to and even better to dance too. Everyone kept saying how they are the number one band in Portland. If you haven’t seen Sallie yet, you have no excuse because it’s her third time in town… but just in case look her up on myspace! Gezzz.
P.S. – Whoever had the CIOM Sticker on their guitar case, yeah you totally made my night!
Photos courtesy of Matt Auclair.
