Live at The Bitter End, NYC
Forces were working against me trying to get to The Bitter End (147 Bleecker St, NYC) tonight. The bus from Hoboken was running thirty minutes late. Once in the city there were no ‘A’ trains in sight so I had to take the local downtown. Hordes of bridge and tunnel youngsters blocking my walk from Sixth Ave to the club.
I thought I was gonna be too late to see D’Haene but as my only bit of luck would have it, the club was running a little behind schedule. So I was actually now a little early. I celebrated with a drink at the bar and ran into backing vocalist Nicole Bradin. I had met her and singer Bob D’Haene at Club Midway earlier in the week when The Majestic Twelve were in town.
Aside from liking their music, I’m not ashamed to admit that Nicole was my reason for being here. What can I say, I’m a sucker for a pretty face and she’s the one who told me about the show. Sorry Bob, I mean you’re cute but…
The band’s sound is a classic rock mix borrowing from many influences. Soulful, bluesy and not afraid to pay homage to some progressive rock sensibility. I cite for example one Jethro Tull inspired flute-like keyboard solo.
Fine musicianship without being at all ‘showy’. Fantastic guitar work from Riley McMahon. He get’s this sweet, nasty growl out of this monster red guitar complete with a Bigsby Tremolo and heart shaped fret markers. I think he told me afterwards that it was a custom built job.
They have a super tight rhythm section and their keyboardist was playing all the bell parts. It was a little confusing for me at first. My ears didn’t know where to look, so to speak. But it soon all came together and you should check them out.
See Also:
D’Haene
The Bitter End
