Let the After Times Begin

On the night of June 2nd, I ventured to a strange place. It was inside. It was sort of dark, but with colorful lights which lit up a strange platform. Upon this platform, human beings created sounds, using their voices, and various stringed and percussive devices.  I think this was what they used to call “live music.” 

Could June 2021 be the month that live music REALLY comes back to us? Wednesday at Ruby Deluxe, there was an actual, real, LIVE SHOW.  Not that there haven’t been any at all.  I’ve seen the odd outdoor gig, and much love to the Pour House for starting things with seated shows indoors a few weeks ago, as things were beginning to re-normalize.  But THIS is the first music I’ve seen that felt truly like the before times. 

It started quietly, as if to warm us up to the very idea again. One singer and an electric guitar, Al Riggs, standing alone on the great new stage at Ruby, playing songs from what has become a damned impressive and extensive catalog, including the recent full-lengths Bile & Bone and I Got A Big Electric Fan To Keep Me Cool While I Sleep.  The dark, sometimes sad songs entranced the audience... Riggs’ music sets an otherworldly tone, and they appreciated it, though were sometimes a bit talkative for a quiet act... but hey, they came to dance 😊 (see below). I saw Riggs play a couple of outdoor gigs during the pandemic, and when playing solo, their music lends itself to that. But this felt different. Maybe it was the indoor vibe, the reverb, the sound bouncing off the walls. Or maybe it was just because I was just so eager for venue show. Whatever, it was good.

Al Riggs...

Even when I like the act, I’ve never enjoyed amphitheater or arena shows, or even smaller outdoor shows, as much as the intimacy of a small club. You literally feel the music, the sweat and heat, the energy. It’s visceral. The proximity of the stage makes you part and parcel of the show. 

Speaking of which, much of the audience seemed to come for the second act, Charlie Paso, and to be sure that they themselves became a part of the show. Charlie Paso, apparently, travel with their own dance crew. And I can see why. Their songs are at once catchy and ragged. Hints of Pavement and Modest Mouse flutter through ‘50s pop and ‘70s psych before heading out to the ocean and riding a rolling surf back to now. I swear they were a 4-piece the only other time I saw them too long ago, but being as 2-piece now, they’re none the worse for wear. No lack of energy and fun here. Check out their newest couple of tunes on bandcamp, What a Beautiful Place and I'm Contagious, Yr a Mess. Thanks also to Ruby for adding a cage at stage right, of which several of the dancing crowd made use. 

Charlie Paso...

Two great acts to wet my whistle, and I want MORE. Also, not a bad crowd for a mid-week show, especially considering most people hardly remember what a “show” is. So if you’re vaxxed, get out there and SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC again! And if you’re not, then wtf are you waiting for?!?