My fourth Wilco since Summerteeth tour in 1999. After witnessing close to 300 performances from clubs to arenas over 40 years, I'd rank the June 12 Aronoff performance by Wilco in my Top 10 all time. Being front row right, directly in front of Sansone, certainly enhanced (clouded?) this perception. A close buddy from Philly who flew in to experience this band for the first time, and really knows music from Mozart to Miles, concluded this was the best display of ensemble musical virtuosity he's ever heard from a rock band. To him, it was like seeing exceptional jazz musicians who individually are playing interesting, engaging, enthralling stuff that somehow meshes into a transcedent and harmonic (or harmonically discordant) whole. I couldn't agree more.
Reviewer Bill Thompson in Cincinnati Enquirer did the band justice. I took issue only with the observation that Pat Sanson plays "occasional" guitar. Again, my take was influenced by leaning on the stage with my chin nearly resting on Pat's monitor, but I knew this coming in: Sansone is vastly underrated or under-appreciated for his musicianship and what he brings to Wilco now. (Glad to hear someone else say Cline was mixed too low, Tweedy's guitars a bit too high...I thought same, but again assumed I was hearing Sansone much louder than most in the theater.)
To me, this was the emergence of Sansone as one of the most interesting, engaging and accomplished musicians I've ever experienced. Many overlook, for instance, what he contributes to "Impossible Germany"...even the popular YouTube video from the loft virtually ignores him. His fills and rhythms are impressive, and I love the way he hits various rock god poses. On one number he dropped his pick, kept fingering intricate fills without missing a beat until he could get back to his amp for another pick. Not to mention the fact that he looks to be about 16 and I just learned he's nearly 40.
Other notes: Tweedy looked pleased more often than I've notice before, although he still slips into those frozen stares that might scare the uninitiated or small children. I'm pleased that a Cincinnati audience could give the band the kind of response that (I hope) will bring them back again and again, but this 11:00 curfew (if that is indeed true, and I can confirm it tomorrow) sucks big time. Without it, I might have finally experienced "Via Chicago"...made up for by finally hearing "California Stars"...a thrill for me. I liked all the new tunes, but "Sonny Feeling" sent me running for a pee break. (And sent my wife running for vodka refills.) Jeff's showmanship on "Hummingbird" was the kind of "That's entertainment!" shtick that converts new fans. loved it. Confirm that the "community service" man in front was stoned-face throughout...I thought quite highly of Tweedy for reaching out to this guy to have him strum away on Spiders/Kidsmoke...I see a future tune called "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me (Despite That Plug In Your Arse)."
Two days later, I'm still buzzing from this Wilco show...which all but erased my buzz from seeing Lucinda Williams in the fine Madison Theatre on June 10. Makes me want to hit road for Bonnaroo.
And...the new PNC Pavilion at Riverbend in Cincinnati is the perfect outdoor venue. Was intended for bands like Wilco. Dylan played there in inaugural season last summer. Seats 5,000, steeply raked seats, excellent acoustics...by no means your typical shed. I suggest the boys return for a cool, clear starlit evening in September.
Wilco -- 2009.06.12, Aronoff Center, Cincinnati, OH
in After The Show
Posted
My fourth Wilco since Summerteeth tour in 1999. After witnessing close to 300 performances from clubs to arenas over 40 years, I'd rank the June 12 Aronoff performance by Wilco in my Top 10 all time. Being front row right, directly in front of Sansone, certainly enhanced (clouded?) this perception. A close buddy from Philly who flew in to experience this band for the first time, and really knows music from Mozart to Miles, concluded this was the best display of ensemble musical virtuosity he's ever heard from a rock band. To him, it was like seeing exceptional jazz musicians who individually are playing interesting, engaging, enthralling stuff that somehow meshes into a transcedent and harmonic (or harmonically discordant) whole. I couldn't agree more.
Reviewer Bill Thompson in Cincinnati Enquirer did the band justice. I took issue only with the observation that Pat Sanson plays "occasional" guitar. Again, my take was influenced by leaning on the stage with my chin nearly resting on Pat's monitor, but I knew this coming in: Sansone is vastly underrated or under-appreciated for his musicianship and what he brings to Wilco now. (Glad to hear someone else say Cline was mixed too low, Tweedy's guitars a bit too high...I thought same, but again assumed I was hearing Sansone much louder than most in the theater.)
To me, this was the emergence of Sansone as one of the most interesting, engaging and accomplished musicians I've ever experienced. Many overlook, for instance, what he contributes to "Impossible Germany"...even the popular YouTube video from the loft virtually ignores him. His fills and rhythms are impressive, and I love the way he hits various rock god poses. On one number he dropped his pick, kept fingering intricate fills without missing a beat until he could get back to his amp for another pick. Not to mention the fact that he looks to be about 16 and I just learned he's nearly 40.
Other notes: Tweedy looked pleased more often than I've notice before, although he still slips into those frozen stares that might scare the uninitiated or small children. I'm pleased that a Cincinnati audience could give the band the kind of response that (I hope) will bring them back again and again, but this 11:00 curfew (if that is indeed true, and I can confirm it tomorrow) sucks big time. Without it, I might have finally experienced "Via Chicago"...made up for by finally hearing "California Stars"...a thrill for me. I liked all the new tunes, but "Sonny Feeling" sent me running for a pee break. (And sent my wife running for vodka refills.) Jeff's showmanship on "Hummingbird" was the kind of "That's entertainment!" shtick that converts new fans. loved it. Confirm that the "community service" man in front was stoned-face throughout...I thought quite highly of Tweedy for reaching out to this guy to have him strum away on Spiders/Kidsmoke...I see a future tune called "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me (Despite That Plug In Your Arse)."
Two days later, I'm still buzzing from this Wilco show...which all but erased my buzz from seeing Lucinda Williams in the fine Madison Theatre on June 10. Makes me want to hit road for Bonnaroo.
And...the new PNC Pavilion at Riverbend in Cincinnati is the perfect outdoor venue. Was intended for bands like Wilco. Dylan played there in inaugural season last summer. Seats 5,000, steeply raked seats, excellent acoustics...by no means your typical shed. I suggest the boys return for a cool, clear starlit evening in September.