It’s not often, these days, that I attend a concert without my camera at my side. The lens has become some semblance of an extension of my ears—I am transfixed with the visual imagery of artists creating on stage, sometimes as significantly as the auditory expressions they perform. The authentic expression of a musician on stage plays directly into my artistic drive to capture the true spirit of people and culture in a frozen moment of time, as witnessed through the lens of my camera.
This past weekend Edie Brickell & New Bohemians graced the stage at the House of Blues Cleveland, thirty years after they released their debut single, Shooting Rubberbands at the Stars. That album, listened to on cassette, was an anthem for me during my adolescent years. And while they may never have been the types to hit Number One on the charts, their music has remained deeply impactful for me through the years.
Despite having to leave my camera behind, I arrived at the House of Blues eager to see these musicians perform. Their music played an integral role to the soundtrack of my own life and now I would get to experience them live and in person for my first time. The crowd was loosely gathered and an energy of anticipation flowed through those waiting, heightened by the whispered message that could be heard between friends—Edie Brickell’s husband, Paul Simon, was somewhere in the building.
When the curtain opened and the band took to the stage, a night of authentic expression and captivating music commenced. New Bohemians revealed the depth of chemistry that comes from playing with the same group of artist and friends for more than three decades. Edie Brickell brought such a relaxed sense of being to the center stage that you felt like you had known her for just as long. And, yes, Paul Simon could be seen in the box above, watching his wife on stage with unwavering attention until the very last note was delivered.
The almost two hour set took the audience through the lasting history of the band. Delivering classic favorites from that 30-year old debut album, such as Nothing and Little Miss S. As well as powerful and poignant pieces, such as Superhero and Eyes in the Window, from their new 2018 release Rocket. Edie Brickell’s unassuming nature shared the inspiration, stories and meaning behind many of the selected songs and led the band on improvisational numbers. Including a save during some technical difficulties which, as she worked into the piece she created, “could have been embarrassing… [but] we’re having fun in Cleveland.”
The repertoire of sound and style traversed through funky spaced out jams back to the transcendently smooth. The soulful spirit of Kenny Withrow on lead guitar melded perfectly with the authentic vitality of Edie Brickell’s vocals. The entire band infected the audience with their presence bringing voices together during the delivery of the classics and compelling an irresistible desire to dance through the jams.
Unlike some of the groups that were integral to my adolescence, Edie Brickell and New Bohemians did not transport me back to memories of days gone by. Instead, they brought the music of the past to the experience of today. I am thankful I made the choice to not stay home with my camera and be a part of this night of genuine enjoyment through the performance and witness of amazing music. It has been few and far between that this band has hit the stage as a touring band. While I hope the opportunity to bear witness presents itself again, I can be thankful to hold the memories of Friday night’s performance as dear as that little white cassette tape still residing in a box in my basement.
So cool that you got to attend, even if not “for work” with your camera in tow. 😉 And I love hearing that Paul was there supporting her!