Kirstiecat | Blog

Thursday June 29th at Schubas in Chicago

Something about me: I always try to go early to shows. Most people tend to think the better bands are on later. Some have preconceived notions that if a musician or band is a headliner, the music will automatically be more enjoyable and more important. While it’s true that I have seen my fair share of difficult to digest opening musicians and bands, there have been times when opening musicians and bands have just absolutely blown me away. My first Chicago experience of this happening was when I saw Tenki open up for Dressy Bessy about four years ago. I walked into Schubas without any prior knowledge of Tenki but being a huge Dressy Bessy fan. I walked out loving Tenki and being fairly indifferent to Dressy Bessy.

What I’m saying is this: If you really love music. I mean, crave it, need it. If music is your passion and you feel like it will never let you down or treat you wrong in the same way that many other things can, GO EARLY. Because, by going early, you will inevitably come across some truly beautiful gems like Greg Sorrell.

I hadn’t heard of Greg Sorrell before last night and my life has been enriched because of hearing his songs. Greg is also in a band called Gray which I hope will play around Chicago soon as well. He has a voice that reminded me a touch of Jens Lekman and maybe also just a tiny bit like Dave Bazan during Bazan’s (or Pedro the Lion’s) quieter more reflective songs (think: “Slow and Steady Wins the Race”) The guitar finger plucking is intricate and interesting. It’s a rare treat to see something this beautiful without even expecting it. It uplifts your whole spirit.

You can hear a “Gray” song and become friends by via myspace

This entry was posted on Friday, June 30th, 2006 at 10:43 am and is filed under music. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.