Finding an artist who can speak directly to the soul of his audience is a daunting task, but David Wilcox *is* such an artist. Watching Wilcox play live is akin to watching Picasso finessing the canvas or watching Ken Griffey Jr. unleash on a fastball. Wilcox radiates a warmth and talent that is unattainable through practice. Rather, Wilcox has a gift that comes from within.
Drawing mostly from his major label debut How Did You Find Me Here?, his last major label album Big Horizon, and the just released Turning Point, Wilcox crafted together a show that left heads spinning. David Wilcox's fans are a rabid group that devour everything he releases, so it's hard to surprise them. However, an early rendition of "Hold It Up To The Light" played at a loping pace was a nice change.
Older songs like "Eye Of The Hurricane", "That's What the Lonely is For", "Chet Baker's Unsung Swan Song", and "Rusty Old American Dream" brought the crowd to their feet. New songs like "Kindness", "Western Ridge", "Show Me The Key", and "Spin" were all equally well received. Wilcox also included the raucous "Blow 'em Away", a song by Chuck Brodsky that has become a live Wilcox staple.
What makes Wilcox so unique is his rare gift for combining his storytelling skill with his remarkable insight into relationships and life. Wilcox throws out metaphors like he's tossing pennies into a fountain, causing ripples that go out and touch his captive audience deep within their hearts. Wilcox's tenor voice rings sweet and clear. Even with his full band playing with him, his voice still soared up and over the room.
As if Wilcox's lyrics and vocals weren't enough, he plays the guitar with a touch that borders on divine. Despite occasional technical glitches, he made his guitars sing all night. Rotating between his Olson acoustic, a different fuller-bodied acoustic, a Telecaster, and some sort of jazz electric guitar, Wilcox picked and strummed incredibly all night.
His backing band was basically the same cast that appears on Turning Point. Drummer Brian Kelley played a spare kit that added to the naked sound of Wilcox's music. David LaBruyere's fretless bass laid a smooth, supple footing for Wilcox to stand on, and Ric Hordinski and Newton Carter contributed a warm variety of hums and howls from their guitars.
Wilcox has been touring around the last 4 or 5 years performing solo, so the backing band made for a different sound than most of the audience was used to. It was the first time live that most of the songs he played have sounded like they do on his albums, so it was interesting to hear the songs from that direction. The band did appear to be a bit tentative all night. Hopefully, playing together more often will make for a tighter sound.
If you've never heard David Wilcox, run to see him. Getting to see a master craftsman at the top his game is rare. The sheer beauty of his art will blow you away.
