Last night was great, for the first time in about 12 years I saw one of my all-time favorite bands, Dave’s True Story. They have been on hiatus since then. In the interim they did one short show that I couldn’t make and one full show that I missed for a reason that still gets me angry. It put someone on my permanent naughty list. They are not back to touring, this is another one shot. It wasn’t a regular show, it was held at the Norwood, a private club, open only to regulars and guests of the band. I was honored to be a guest. I had a plus one, that always gives me agita. I want a plus one but I’m always afraid I won’t be able to find someone to go with me that I both really like and that will appreciate the show. This time I was lucky, I thought of Ellen and she could make it.
The Norwood is on 14th Street between 7th and 8th. I used to frequent that area when I worked in Chelsea, but haven’t in years. I didn’t know where I wanted to eat so I asked Google. It suggested Dirty Bird to-go. The pictures showed some tables so I knew it wasn’t only take-out. Chicken was just what I wanted so this worked out great. I was surprised when I got there that there was table service. I hadn’t left time for that but figured if they brought the food fast and I was fast I’d make it I thought I’d get the rotisserie chicken but there was a combo with the fried so I got that. It was excellent. This is now my go-to place in the area.
I made it to the Norwood right on time. I went up to snag seats but found I was too late! Damn, there was no reason I couldn’t have gotten there early. I didn’t realize it was limited seating. Only 3 small rows. Ellen and I stood behind them so we could see. I was surprised how few people I knew there. I went to scores of DTS shows back in the day but there was only one person there that I knew, Elise. I haven’t seen her in years. She used to make regular appearances in Wise Madness. After we were ensconced in our corner Christine I saw Christine walk in, there are advantages to being able to see. I had just been talking about her with Ellen. I called over and she joined us.
The opening act was Kelly Flint. Kelly is the voice of Dave’s True Story. When they first started, it was a duo, David Cantor on guitar and songwriting and Kelly singing. They were then joined by Jeff Eyrich on bass and Rich Zukor on drums. The whole band was there last night, with the exception of Dave, they were also Kelly’s band. Kelly and Jeff played the Budgiedome. I feel bad, I’m not sure if Rich made it. We had to get Jeff’s bass up the hill in the rain.
It was so good to hear them again after all these years. I haven’t even seen Kelly in ages. All her gigs are up in Scarsdale now. I saw her scores of times too. DTS and Kelly were big parts of my life.
When I want examples of brilliant, clever, unique songwriters, I use Dave, Jim Infantino, and Brian Gundersdorf. They aren’t like each other except in their brilliant use of language. What they have in common is that they are inimitable. You hear one of their songs and you know who wrote it. They are all good training for the SAT’s. Dave is the most distinctive musically. He writes folk/jazz. The music was jazz but they always lived in the folk world. I could never sing along to their songs as there was so much syncopation. Kelly finally explained something I had felt but never known, one of their songs is Rubato, music with rhythm but no beat. I had never heard the term before. You should have explained that years ago! Dave’s songs go to places you’d never imagine on your own.
I hope they do some more shows. I hope that Kelly does some shows I can get to. I’d like to see one of always rare Dave Solo shows. I want them back in my life.
I was very good, even though I was out I took all my drops on time, even though I had to take two sets on the subway. For this week I take at least one drop every two hours. Good things smart phones allow you to set an unlimited number of alarms and to repeat them.
I discovered one annoying thing about having both eyes fixed. Neither eye can see close so when I take pictures I have to put my reading glasses on. It’s a problem I’m happy to live with. I better get moving, I have to go the hospital when I have therapy; they are going to help me with my reapplication to Medicaid. Good thing I was able to have my surgery. I have so many doctors’ appointments coming up as I make up for lost time.
Wise Madness 