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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:
 Edible
Red on My Space
The
Knitting Factory
NiNETUNE.COM
Podcast "Hey Ladies"
Terra
Blues
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