FOLKFAN
Tuesday, August 26, 2003
We’re About Nine (with Andy and Denise Opening) at Kittamaqundi Lakefront, Columbia MD August 20, 2003
Da Vinci’s Notebook started playing an hour ago at another free outdoor concert tonight; theirs is at Lake Centennial, about 10 minutes away from here. Residents here in Columbia MD have some of the best music of the summer to choose from tonight. We love Da Vinci’s Notebook, but we choose to see Andy and Denise and We’re About Nine. And so did many other people. I am pleasantly surprised by the crowd (given that another huge set of fans is probably over at Lake Centennial tonight). And another crowd is paying to see Radiohead at the closeby Merryweather Post Pavillion.
As we set up our beach chairs (oh thoughts of Falcon Ridge), in front of the stage I see that the white canopy is gone. The performers are on the large white stage platform, with only the large tree behind to frame them. From my perspective the tree is taller than 7x Andy and Denise’s height. They look so small in comparison to the towering tree.
Andy and Denise’s set includes:
Laughing
Go – they dedicate this song to their poor departed car, Virgil, who jumped in front of a deer recently resulting in an untimely demise to the car graveyard. This is a song about change…
Big Wheel – They are from extreme East Philly (uh, New Jersey), or as was said at the Susquehanna Music and Arts Festival, extreme Northern Maryland (uh, New Jersey). And they used to live in NYC. But cosmopolitan as they are, Andy has never gotten over the fact that he is too big for his big wheel.
Living in Suburbia – they moved to suburbia 2 years ago. This song reflects their fun in driving to see Christmas tree lights, along with more curious, but typical aspects of suburban life.
South – another road song – “I am heading South”
They are working on a new CD of their own which I am looking forward to getting. Today, they don’t mention that they helped produce Eliot Bronson’s new CD and We’re About Nine’s. These are great and talented folks, who are colleagues with artists we adore. Although I think Katie later talks about them working with her on producting Katie's solo CD.
We’re About Nine
Brian thanks Andy and Denise, and says something about they opened here but We’re About Nine could open for them. It’s not a big deal. And Brian remembers coming to open mikes at this Lakefront in past years. Columbia has a home town feel for this group.
In writing songs, Brian says he consciously thought about writing a song that would appeal both to the 40+ crowd, and to young people. He has succeeded with:
Born Again – of course the song about the reincarnated soul of a $5 per hour parking spot.
Reading You – sitting in class in middle school, Brian wondered “does a tree make a sound in the forest if no one hears”, and got so sad. This song is narrated from the perspective of the wind.
Pat Klink points out that if we look up into the night sky (it is dark now) we’ll see Mars which will be close to earth than almost ever next week. But the song he sings is more a Venus Song
Another Love Song
The Port Wine Song –
Move Like Light
Writing Again – Often songwriters explain that their songs are fictional, this is not their life story, but Brian claims this song is inspired by real life, and dedicates it, as always to every woman who ever helped him get over writer’s block by dumping him. He gives us a new factoid – the dog’s name is Elroy.
Albany – about inner turmoil and getting from one place to another; some of us can empathize with the feelings but not the methods.
Slow Sliding Funk
Katie – The Space in the Air (this will be on her new solo album)
For One More
Spirit – another new song
Weight of the Ocean – about what you may do on the last day of the world – this is the 10th track on the new CD, and is the liveliest end of the world song I have ever heard.
People on the lakefront tonight seem happy and relaxed. Is this the end of summer feel before school starts? A toddler looks up at Katie and she bends down toward him and mimics his dancing with dancing movements. Then there is a toddler on stage , so curious about the music and wanting to explore that space too. He is lead off the far end – and the music continues. Two of this trio (Brian and Katie) grew up in Columbia. Some of there are friends and family in the audience. Just back from a long tour, they are still energized and psyched tonight. I have never heard them sound better. More more! Yes I will hear them Saturday at Mofolk’s Country Roads.
Oh and join the “WereAbout9” Yahoo group (the yahoo membership thing is a bear but you only have to do it once. And don’t forget to sign in, click on Account Information, and after the list of your email address click on “Edit your marketing preferences”. There you should opt out of the email marketing, address and phone contacts which you don’t want.) Once done, there are so many wonderful fan lists on http://groups.yahoo.com - and be sure to choose this one – WereAbout9 – just this way with no spaces, and the number 9. I know I tried it other ways, but now I’m there.
