My Luck Has Changed

Honestly, I didn't think that there would be any difference after the TLA was branded the Fillmore at the TLA. I thought the new sign was it. Boy was I wrong. Besides the new flooring, lighting, fabric on the walls, and a stall in the men's restroom (which was nice and a much needed addition), the new branding offered me a chance at a fresh start. Prior to the branding, I didn't have good luck at the TLA but Tuesday night was different. Grabbing spots right in front of center stage, I just knew my luck had changed. Hell, I had even found free parking in a matter of minutes.

Most people were there Tuesday night at 7:30PM to secure their spot to see Air play their magical electronic Pocket Symphony set. We were there specifically to see Kate Havnevik. With all of the gadgets, keyboards and mics on stage, we weren't exactly sure what was Havnevik's vs. Air's. Havnevik travels light; she plays with only a bassist (electric and stand-up) and one other well-rounded musician (accordion, clarinet, horns, xylophone and more). Of course, she also brought her Apple computer to play the background beats as she performed. The track took care of the strings, drums and other electronic sounds that Havnevik has developed so carefully in each of her songs. It would take a huge band to reproduce what Havnevik has created on her new CD, Melankton and at this point in her career (her first tour in U.S.), it wouldn't be financially responsible to do that. Two other musicians work just great. It didn't detract from her beautiful vocals nor the other live instruments. The track complemented her live sound very nicely; it was a great mix.

Kate Havnevik's set was short, only five songs. Afterward, she told me that depending on the venue, Air will request different length sets. Philadelphia only got five songs. That's okay because Havnevik also told me she was coming back to Philly later this summer on a headlining tour, though at the present we don't have a date. But in those short five songs, Havnevik convinced the audience that she was indeed talented and worth listening to.

The highlight of the night was her accapella version of the hit song, "Unlike Me" which was featured on the season two finale of Grey's Anatomy. As with all of her songs, Havnevik was singing with a track, but instead of electronic drums and other effects, a three-part women's chorus was accompanying her as she sang. The intricate and dissonant chord changes painted a scene in tandem with the lyrics: "I love the way you live so intensely, enjoy every minute of life." She continues singing, "Unlike you, I'm not pretending." There are a few significant times in my life when I've witnessed a song creating a life of its own and "Unlike Me" did just that. It left me speechless, goose-bumped, and definitely moved. I live for those moments.

I didn't think I was going to "top" my private performance (see previous post) so soon. Within four days, I've been able to meet two incredible musicians, have them perform three feet away from me and have a genuine conversations with both of them after their performances. So, yes, my luck had changed, and I hope it stays.