When my friends called me up and we started planning a mini road trip for this summer, we knew a show would need to be the axis of our journey. Besides my obvious connections with music, one of my friends is a DJ, the other is the only non-musical person I know with a more extensive music collection than me, and the third had (gasp!) never been to a live show before. Always on point, Greg suggested the upcoming Gogol Bordello / Primus double bill in Essex Junction. An outdoor general admission concert? Count us in.
The Champlain Valley Fairgrounds of Essex Junction, VT plays host to a plethora of shows each year, with an emphasis on alternative rock and local bands. The venue was expansive and offered concessions (which Les Claypool of Primus would later comment on), above average facilities, free parking, and, perhaps its best feature; the ability to stay in the pit or close to the stage for one song, and then walk around without a crowd for another.
Scanning the crowd, it was odd and reassuring seeing the percentage of fans in the audience. Typically in double billed shows one band still prevails over the other in support. However, this night there was a notable 50% split between the Gogol Bordello and Primus fans, and they both seemed to respect and enjoy each others taste. Kumbiyah.
Without further adu - the opening band!
Heloise and the Savoir Faire
After the initial two songs, I realized the ingenuity of the group's performance - their get-up was a mockery which was both note-worthy and delightfully unnoticeable. It wouldn't take a MENSA member to realize how the group was poking fun at everyone in the music business, from record companies to virgin artists, pop stars, and even the audience. However, the theatrics were performed in a way that implied a self-conscious honesty on the part of the group - they were poking fun at themselves too, and everyone was free to laugh with and at them. It was clear what the group's mission was; The Savoir Faire were here to have fun and maybe gain some fans along the way.
As far as the music goes, I actually enjoyed the group's art, despite my typical aversion to anything dance-pop. Heloise's voice is quite wonderful and healthy, and her dynamic range is expansive and effortless (which made for some really big "kick-ass" moments, even for an audience that seemed completely alien to the group's work). Heloise's decision some years ago to experiment with a live band playing along with the pre-recorded loops and effects was greatly appreciated as well, and made for a much more organic and authentic performance. Thankfully, the charmingly off-beat and sometimes spastic dancing of Shephard and Robidoux succeeded in its attempt of manifesting the music and performance theme, inviting the crowd to participate in the joke of life they portrayed.
Hopefully, Heloise will continue to add effective methods from her own experiences in the music world (i.e. bus driving for Peaches, working with Phish, Deborah Harry, and paying rent to Danny Moynihan) to her repertoire. The Savoir Faire, without a doubt, have a good product, and with the recent success of groups like the Ting-Tings and Lady Gaga, may have a market for it. Add in the freedom of working for music lover Elijah Wood of LOTR fame, and don't be surprised if you hear from the Vermont locals soon.
P.S. - I was not allowed to bring in my Flip video, so I apologize profusely for the sound quality on the videos. For a much better listen to the bands, PLEASE youtube their music videos or check out the Amazon media sampler on the right-hand tool bar of the blog.
Next Up - Gogol Bordello!!!
