Hawksley Workman – La Tulipe – Friday, April 16, 2010
For those who didn’t really want to see anybody else play but Workman, these were convenient circumstances for a show. Workman was the only performer on the bill for the night, and though the place was not entirely packed, you could say that they definitely sold plenty of tickets — it also helps that for a show such as this one, most of the people (or at least it seemed that way) in the audience were part of a loyal Hawksley Workman fan base. This provides for a great concert atmosphere no matter how many people show up.
By 8:00 PM, Workman’s pianist, Todd “Mr. Lonely” Lumley, entered upon the blue lights beaming down on the darkened stage. I guess I was expecting some sort of opening act because it was only eight, but when he started to improvise on the piano playing a few Workman melodies I recognized (including that of “Little Tragedies” — a song he unfortunately didn’t play), it was clear that Mr. Lonely was indeed part of the band that walked onto the stage moments after.
The show consisted mostly of songs loyal Workman fans would really appreciate (and be very familiar with at this point) — this is not a negative, but it created a performance that was definitely tailored to a loyal Workman crowd. Similar to going to see Marillion on any given night and hoping for “Kayleigh,” Workman didn’t break out any of the super-catchy early-2000’s tunes that made (Last Night We Were) The Delicious Wolves such a fun, energetic album. There was no “Striptease,” “Jealous of your Cigarette,” or even “You Me and the Weather.” He did play “Your Beauty Must Be Rubbing Off,” and that could have easily been the highlight of the set. Fans did get a generous helping of new material, off the recently released LP Meat (sadly though, we didn’t get the new, and intensely sexy “French Girl in L.A.”), which for the faithful works just as well as the casuals hoping for the aforementioned tracks.
Another aspect of the concert that was enjoyable was the banter and storytelling between songs; which is something you don’t get at many shows. But during this show, humor was definitely on par with great musicianship. Speaking of musicianship, this was one of the shows bright spots as well. Everyone really had control of their respective instruments and I don’t think, from the constant smile on his face, Brad Kilpatrick would have rather been anywhere else. Hawksley changed guitars every time a new song was just about under way, and I guess you could look at that in different ways — pretty humorous to watch time and time again, but this guy collects A LOT OF GUITARS. Highlighting the musical aspect of the show, was the extended solo violin performance by Jesse Zubot that received a roar from an audience. After about two hours and change, the venue’s “waiting room” music started playing over the speakers and the show was over and I think it’s safe to say everyone left happy. – Jordan Ghetler
Hawksley Workman
Photography by Kailey Diogo
