When I first saw Kishi Bashi in 2016 I fell for his music – hard! We are talking teenage fangirl level. Well, as close as an Austrian guy in his mid fifties can come to that. That’s turning up the sound when one of his songs hits my playlist. His tour celebrating 10 years of his album :151a” became a must see for me.
I was not alone in this, the Fine Line had a good sized crowd for Tall Tall Trees, the opener. Hailing from North Carolina, Tall Tall Trees is the artist name of Mike Savino. I enjoy seeing loops being created live, it reminds me of watching a painting coming together. I think this was the first time I saw it being done with a banjo and Tall Tall Trees actually used the banjo as percussion on a few songs. His music is quiet and unobtrusive but catches your attention and keeps it not through volume but little bits that capture your attention.
Turns out, this was not the last we would see of Tall Tall Trees as he joined Kishi Bashi’s band on guitar (and banjo of course). The first part of the set featured a playthrough of 151a with some bits about the thoughts behind the album and the art thrown in. What fascinates me about his music is how a slow, whimsical start that reminds me of chamber music builds into a complex, fun crescendo. It’s music that I would be perfectly happy to listen to with my eyes closed even in a live show. “It all began with a burst” started with the Cello being the star and gradually being joined by voices and other instruments – a fun arrangement.The later part of the set featured other materials and a couple of covers. Me mentioned how good it felt to be back on tour after 2 ½ years. Not as good as it felt to see him perform in person again.
Set List (Needs Confirmation): Intro / Pathos, Pathos \ Manchester \ Bright Whites \ It All Began With A Burst \ Wonder Woman, Wonder Me \ Chester’s Burst Over The Hamptons \ Atticus, In The Desert \ I Am The Antichrist To You \ Beat The Bright Out Of Me \ Theme From Jerome (Forgotten Words) \ This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) (Talking Heads Cover)\ Penny Rabbit And Summer Bear \ Marigolds \ I’d Do Anything For Love (But I Won’t Do That) (Meat Loaf Cover) \ The Ballad Of Mr. Steak \ Honeybody
Encore: Violin Tsunami [Solo] \ Philosophize In It! Chemicalize With It!