I wasn’t quite sure what to expect from the Caitlin Cary show at the Mucky Duck.
I’ve really gotten into her two studio CDs the past couple of weeks. She’s one of those rare types who’s a great vocalist, writes fine songs, and has a surprising knack for arrangement (surprising in the sense that she doesn’t play guitar or keyboards).
Being able to put it together in the studio doesn’t always translate into great live performances, but it certainly did last night.
Her voice is beautiful, of course. Lots of depth. Very evocative. There’s something about it that reminds me of Christine McVie’s voice (McVie’s songs being my favorite Fleetwood tunes because of her voice). And it’s even better live, because it’s real. She really brings her songs to life.
And her band is excellent. Caitlin handles the fiddle, but what really helps make the band’s sound is the keyboard work Jen Gunderman, who played for several years with the Jayhawks (another favorite — the alt-country world is wonderfully small, eh?). And the harmony vocals with cary, Gunderman and the guitarist (sorry, I don’t have the name).
Clearly, this is Caitlin Cary’s show, and her voice steals it. But unlike some singer/songwriter types I know that have gone on to solo work after gigs with a band, Cary leaves plenty of room for her band to shine, and they compliment her well. And Gunderman really rounds out the sound. She’s good, and has a nice stage personality.
This was the best show I’ve seen in quite a while, certainly this year (maybe longer). It didn’t hurt that we had a table in the room’s sonic sweet spot — just to the left of the soundboard (which, for whatever reason, is just off center of the sweet spot), straight back from the stage and several tables deep. The sound was perfect.
It also was nice that this was the best behaved, most serious music crowd that I’ve experienced at the Duck in a LONG time. There was actually silence during a couple of songs that grew quiet, instead of the usual bunch of blabbering idiots who think it’s fun to pay money to see a band and then talk over ’em (that used to never happen at the Duck, but lately blabbermouths who are unserious about music have been a problem at shows I’ve seen there). It was a slightly older crowd than I was expecting. By that, I mean that I expected Whiskeytown fans of my age and maybe slightly younger, but I would say the average age was probably ten years older than me. I can see Cary’s appeal to that age group (and maybe KPFT plays some of her stuff — anybody know?), but I just would have expected more of the younger Whiskeytown crowd. *shrug*
Unfortunately, I didn’t take the camera to the show, so no photos to share (I was otherwise occupied). It’s too bad, because these guys really seemed to enjoy playing (and Cary pointed out that it was good to be home — apparently she lived in Houston for a time), and I like to get photos of musicians who obviously love what they’re doing.
Anyway, I’m hooked on Caitlin Cary. Go see her band if you have a chance, and/or grab her newest CD (“Cello Girl” is a song that’s still haunting me, and it sounds great live as well). I hope she makes it back soon.
PS Did I mention the alt-country world is small? Well, it turns out that some of Cary’s friends were in the audience, and are members of a band named King Coal. They’ll be opening for old favorite Scott Miller at Rudyard’s on Wednesday, and Cary was kind enough to plug their show. So I’ll be interested in hearing their sound (especially since their website is a little bare at the moment).
(09-01-03 Update) Dave Bartholomew is/was Caitlin Cary’s guitarist, on the latest CD and at this show.