June 04, 2006
Over the Rhine Review
I feel more inadequate to the task of writing about Over the Rhine because I did not go to their show last night as a seasoned fan. I had been exposed to them, mostly through their last two albums "Ohio" and "A Drunkard's Prayer", and so I knew I was in for a good show. But my expectations were not exuberantly high by any means. I guess Over the Rhine always seemed a bit too much like a "coffee shop" band to me. They were tranquil and soothing and often beautiful but not always necessarily memorable.
Well let me just say that my expectations were exceeded by leaps and bounds. I had no idea that I was in for such an amazing performance when I got back from talking to Hem to sit down for the second half of the show.
First off, for those of you who dont know, Over the Rhine is somewhat similar to another group I like, the Innocence Mission, in that they are primarily a husband and wife duo who specialize in lush, mood-setting songs. The husband and wife in this case are Linford Detweiler and Karen Bergquist. But unlike the Innocence Mission, whose Karen Peris specializes in quirky, childlike vocals, Karen Bergquist of Over the Rhine specializes in confident, jazz-inspired vocals reminiscent to me of the late Eva Cassidy and even the late, great Ella Fitzgerald. Thats what really blew me away about Over the Rhine: I had no idea I was about to be treated to what was probably the greatest singular live vocal performance I have ever personally witnessed. This girl can sing with the best of them! Her range and confidence and subtle ability to manipulate my mood was something I had never experienced up close like that before.
And let me not overshadow the husband, Linford Detweiler, who spent most of the time on the keyboard. First off, this guy was hilarious! He was increcibly funny, and even apart from that, he was an incredibly good storyteller. He was the kind of guy you wish you could have long conversations on somebody's porch with and just hear him tell stories of his life. Apparently he was a minister's son, and he treated us to a particularly memorable story of what his Wednesday night prayer meetings were like in his youth.
But Linford was also a ridiculously talented piano player. The combination of his finesse on the keyboard and Karen's vocals were almost more than I could take at times. It transported me to the highest realms of musical enjoyment. Added to that, they were backed by a great drummer and a guitarist who treated us to a blues solo at the end of the show that brought hints of tears to my eyes.
So in short, the Over the Rhine show was one of the best I have ever heard or seen. They have a rich catalogue of songs, an immensely enjoyable stage presence, and talent that just illuminates the whole room.
The combination of Hem and Over the Rhine was perfect. They are two bands that complement each other very well, but who are unique enough in their styles that you feel like you are getting a major 2 for the price of 1 deal. I couldnt have asked for a nicer way to spend a Saturday night yesterday.
Make sure you catch this show if you still have a chance. Here is the full list of dates still up ahead!
Mon Jun 05: Charlotte NC, Visulite Theatre ALL AGES
Over the Rhine opens; Hem closes
Tue Jun 06: Asheville NC, Grey Eagle ALL AGES
Hem opens; Over the Rhine closes
Wed Jun 07: Chapel Hill NC, Local 506 ALL AGES
Over the Rhine opens; Hem closes
Thu Jun 08: Alexandria VA, Birchmere ALL AGES
Hem opens; Over the Rhine closes
Sat Jun 10: Lancaster PA, Chameleon Club
(No Hem on this show) Special guest: Abigail Washburn
Mon Jun 12: Boston MA, Paradise
Over the Rhine opens; Hem closes
Tue Jun 13: Philadelphia PA, Theatre of Living Arts ALL AGES
Hem opens; Over the Rhine closes
Wed Jun 14: New York NY, The Concert Hall ALL AGES
Over the Rhine opens; Hem closes
Thu Jun 15: Northampton MA, Iron Horse Music Hall ALL AGES
Over the Rhine opens; Hem closes