Music Thingy: Patrick Wolf In Concert

Last night I saw Patrick Wolf play at The Middle East: Downstairs. This was my first time seeing him live so I had very little idea what to expect.

I was completely shocked and amazed. In the space of one set he played viola, piano (yes it was an keyboard but he plays real piano, not just poking out a melody like most keyboard players) ukelele and guitar. And sang. And did it all brilliantly. I hadn't realized just how good of a technical musician he was until now. Its easy to make a part sound good on recording but he was able to duplicate or exceed the quality of the instrumentation live. On top of that he puts on a good show. I paid $17 for my ticket but his performance was easily worth 3 times that.

What I was struck by while watching him is how exceedingly talented this man really is. He's a rare combination of someone who can write and arrange music skillfully and ALSO write poetic and meaningful lyrics. And play all the instruments and do all the vocals to make it happen.

And he is 25. This tour is for his fourth album. The fifth album is already in the can. Right now he is sort of on the fringe, and he may never be a "huge pop star" but I do think he is his generation's first real musical "genius", whatever that means.

If you have never heard his work,I urge you to give his fourth album, The Bachelor, a listen. Grab a copy, or buy it on itunes. If you don't want to fork over $10 for something you never heard, here's a few of my favorite tracks: Hard Times, Damaris, Blackdown, The Sun is Often Out, Theseus. Grab one or two. Seriously. I'll wait.

Oh and by the way, in the middleof performing his song "Battle", Patrick reached over the railing from the catwalk and hugged me. I win at concert going.

Music Thingy: Patrick Wolf In Concert

Last night I saw Patrick Wolf play at The Middle East: Downstairs. This was my first time seeing him live so I had very little idea what to expect.

I was completely shocked and amazed. In the space of one set he played viola, piano (yes it was an keyboard but he plays real piano, not just poking out a melody like most keyboard players) ukelele and guitar. And sang. And did it all brilliantly. I hadn't realized just how good of a technical musician he was until now. Its easy to make a part sound good on recording but he was able to duplicate or exceed the quality of the instrumentation live. On top of that he puts on a good show. I paid $17 for my ticket but his performance was easily worth 3 times that.

What I was struck by while watching him is how exceedingly talented this man really is. He's a rare combination of someone who can write and arrange music skillfully and ALSO write poetic and meaningful lyrics. And play all the instruments and do all the vocals to make it happen.

And he is 25. This tour is for his fourth album. The fifth album is already in the can. Right now he is sort of on the fringe, and he may never be a "huge pop star" but I do think he is his generation's first real musical "genius", whatever that means.

If you have never heard his work,I urge you to give his fourth album, The Bachelor, a listen. Grab a copy, or buy it on itunes. If you don't want to fork over $10 for something you never heard, here's a few of my favorite tracks: Hard Times, Damaris, Blackdown, The Sun is Often Out, Theseus. Grab one or two. Seriously. I'll wait.

Oh and by the way, in the middleof performing his song "Battle", Patrick reached over the railing from the catwalk and hugged me. I win at concert going.