My Music, My Concerts, My Life: Concert Review: Bryan Ferry @ Verizon Hall - Kimmel Center

So this was supposed to be a really easy write up.

Bryan Ferry is the icon for jaded, cool, remote and aloof. I really like his portrayal of this character. I am happily ignorant to his personal life and most musicians I admire. It allows me to build a kind of legend on a personal level and helps me create a visual narrative and nostalgia to their music. I imagine Ferry always jet setting around always impeccably dressed, swiping his hair. Always an air of secrecy, tending to things that seem trivial but left untended would lead to ripples of stupifycation and confusion somehow. Women, women always waiting in quiet desperation. Stringing out an Aston for all the bastard is worth on a winding, coastal road along rocky beaches leaving a trail of lavender scent into the night. Suave.

Photo by Fran Chismar

At this point I have to mention the opening act, LP. That's her name. Unbelievable talent and a stylish motherfucker!!!!

Photo by Fran Chismar

She has an original and capable voice. What a voice!!! She has range and is also tasteful in her delivery. Her songs are not a showcase for her voice but rather the voice is an extension of the music. I tend to be a fairly unhip guy but I am happy to say I can't give a comparison to here music to provide a stylistic compass point.

Photo by Fran Chismar

She writes really great simple music written with elegance and performed by a talented band. Fran and I are huge fans of the EP and I can't recommend enough that you check her out in concert and hook the fucking disc up.

Photo by Fran Chismar

Finally it was time for Mr. Suave. At the Kimmel center, his band appeared as dark silhouettes against the dark stage. Ambient build up creating suspense.

Photo by Fran Chismar

When "Avonmore" finally crested into a much heavier beat than the record, the Man sauntered onto the stage.

Photo by Fran Chismar

Its amazing to me that Bryan Ferry is in his 70's! His command of the stage, the jaded cool, his voice is all intact. From what I've heard his set list on tour varies very little. This is where the coolness stops. As a performer and band member there is a great love for the stage, the songs and the audience.

Photo by Fran Chismar

This band is in the moment! They could never carry the intensity any other way. I'd love to spy back stage to see what type of ritual takes place to create the chemistry and build the intensity necessary to wash into the audience the way they do.

Photo by Fran Chismar

There is very much a reciprocating energy functioning within this 10 piece band. Ferry brings the energy no doubt about it but he feeds off the band and they rise to meet him. Intensity climbed through out entire set.

Photo by Fran Chismar

There's a line in the movie High Fidelity, where Cusack discusses the rules and subtleties of a proper mix tape. "Have to start with a killer to get attention, then you gotta take it up a notch. But you don't want blow your wad.." "Slave to Love" then the Roxy song "Ladytron" hit hard and was played with muscularity. Hard to say Ferry was looking to take a breather or cool things down.

Photo by Fran Chismar

Oh yeah, then "Bob Dylan's Dream" and a "Don't Think Twice It's Alright" was a point the river could be crossed with only a few steps to cool the feet. The funk of "Loop De Li" from Avonmore swept in with attitude followed by the cool grip and subtle menace of "Bete Noir" and "Zamba".

Photo by Fran Chismar

The next nine songs where all Roxy Music including their sache' infused take of "Like a Hurricane". The strut of "If There Is Something" for some reason always reminds me of Bowie. Not in any way that makes me think of one nicking the other. Its an associate thing. Maybe it's Eno.

"Avalon" and "More Than This" breeze in with nostalgic poise and the same intention and the damned scent of lavender. "Love is the Drug", "Virginia Plain" and encore 1's "Lets Stick Together", nothing like kicking shit up at the end just in case.

Photo by Fran Chismar

"Jealous Guy" had you wondering if the Gentleman was tiring out they took it up as high as fuck with "Editions of You" and left the stage salted and scorched like proper rock and rollers. This was a really a phenomenal set demonstrating Bryan Ferry's work through the decades.

Photo by Fran Chismar

When I look back on it, his work shows consistency while never falling into a malaise of formula with hardly any weaknesses. I could here Hopper in my mind, "GOD DAMN, you are one suave fuck!!!"

Photo by Fran Chismar

This was one of the very best concerts I have ever seen. I am trying to arrange to see Bryan Ferry's second NY show later this week if that's any indication.