More fun than a gay rugby tournament
As much as I respect the history of the Knitting Factory, I cannot stand the three industrial flights of stairs down to the old office in the basement. Once I got down there, it was back up to the street level box office to buy my ticket. Then back down to check in to the show. Then up to the second floor to use the toilet, back up one more flight to smoke, down to the basement for the music and so on.
During one of my sessions outside, I saw Edible Red singer Collette McLafferty. She was on her way to a local deli to get a birthday treat for their cellist Dave Eggar. Along the walk she was warming up her voice, trying to get over a touch of a cold. She bought a large hunk of snack cake and a pack of birthday candles while calling everyone to be sure this remained a surprise.
After a few more trips up and down the stairs—including a few to the men’s room to sneak swigs from my hidden flask of whiskey—it was time for the show. Collette looked adorable holding the bass as she waited for the rest of the band to get set up. Tom Papadatos on drums, Sean McMechen on guitar and Marty Osterer on bass.
The set started with a free jam which—since they do this type of jam often—was meant to fool the birthday boy to it’s real intention. As the band improvised, Collette sneaked back to unwrap the cake and prepare the candle. Without Dave realizing it, she reappeared at the foot to the little stage with the birthday surprise. The crowd sang along as Dave blew out the candle. Now the time came for a second celebration.
About a year ago they announced being signed to Select Records and started off on the task of creating a new CD. It should drop in late August I believe but tonight’s show marked the completion of that as yet unnamed CD’s recording. The room was electric as was the mood on stage.
Any worries about being rusty or out of sync due to a lack of performing and Collette’s cold all were for naught. Their sultry, power-pop performance was passionate and filled with a childlike joy. Collette would announce each new song as a world premiere, “except for the Gay Rugby Tournament.” Apparently they were the entertainment at such an event recently.
As Collette kicked off her shoes and jumped around, the band kept us pumped with their infectious energy. Over the years I’ve seen Edible Red in many combinations and they just keep getting better and better. I wish them all the luck with this new deal, CD and inevitable tour. And I look forward to the party celebrating its release.
And though this show was over, my legs did not get a break. I was off to meet my friend Aileen for her birthday. She and our friend Lauren were at Terra Blues on Bleecker which is of course up a steep flight of metal stairs. The climb was worth it as we sat, drank and listened to bluesman Saron Crenshaw. It was a good way to end the night.
See Also:
Photo Gallery
Edible Red on My Space
The Knitting Factory
NiNETUNE.COM Podcast “Hey Ladies”
Terra Blues
