A night of blues and gypsy rock at The Goldhawk
The fifth time around for the Hoboken Unsigned series was a wonderful night of international proportions. America was well represented thru the grassroots blues of J. Hill and Hartling. Thru honest originals and renditions of standards, these guys took us back to a time of simpler music when low production did not mean low fidelity.
Take a guitar, upright bass, harmonica and vocals and you have a full, rich sound showing reverence to music pioneers such as Hank Williams. On a side not, I won a free drink ticket because I yelled out Hank’s name when J. Hill asked, “Can anyone name who wrote that one?” The joke was that, in a set such as this, if you yelled, “Hank!” enough times, you’re bound to be right at least once.
Self-proclaimed ‘nomadic world rock’ band Kagero has influences (and members) that span the globe. With members hailing from Japan, Bulgaria and NYC, the diversity in their sound funnels into a clear Gypsy bent. Smart songs combined with a delicate balance between sheer confidence and true modesty make this band one not to be missed.
I also enjoyed sitting and drinking with them afterwards. I said that one of my favorite moments of their set was when I heard Japanese frontman Kaz say thank you in Russian with his distinctly British-sounding accent. I felt like I was on the floor of the UN. Well, that is if the UN were a bunch of fine musicians and not just bickering political babies.
Kudos to Hoboken Unsigned and The Goldhawk for another show well done.
See Also:
Photo Gallery
The Goldhawk
J. Hill & Hartling
Kagero
