Live music is great and glorious. One thing I have learned over the years is that I find it much easier to be forgiving of a band in the live setting. Not that I am apt to give a band a pass for a poor performance, but there is something tangible, intimate even, when you watch a band plying their trade in front of you. It brings the time and effort that goes into creating new music and putting together a live show into sharper focus. This applies not only to popular, nationally known acts, but also to smaller market, local, and unsigned bands who put it all out there on stage.
This particular night is all local, all the time. My friends in Audible Thought (trust me, no bias in reviewing them, if they are bad, you will know it) headlined a bill filled with unsigned talent from the Hudson river corridor, from New York City to Albany. Five bands in all, filling out an evening of hard rock and metal.
The venue is The Chance in Poughkeepsie, NY. It has a lot of history and is a great place to see a show. It also holds the distinction of being the first place to host to the Police in America back in the 1970s.
I got inside the doors shortly past 8:00, grabbed a beer, and got ready for the show to begin. While I waited, I caught up with Carlos Vega, guitarist for Downfire. We discussed the fact they are looking for a new bass player (if you know anyone...) and how the new material is coming along. They are working on new numbers and are experimenting in a new direction, changing things up following their debut album, Redemption. I also learned that due to the late arrival of one of the other bands, Downfire's slot was changed 5 times, causing them to set up and tear down their equipment a number of times. He also commented on me finally getting to see a full set from the band, my last two attempts were thwarted by long lines to get inside and unannounced door open changes.
I also got to catch up with Nick King, bass player for Audible Thought. He told me the recording process is going well. They are putting the finishing touches on a re-recording of the band's debut Measure Up LP with the current lineup. I am also told they have a lot of material all set to record the follow up, if only the singer would come to more practices. Don't worry, Lou, I am sure he was only kidding.
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