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The Knitting Factory, NY, NY 11/07/07
Review and photos by John A. Wilcox
There are days when you feel utterly drained. Life has kicked your ass & the
glass is four fifths empty. This was one of those days. Oblivion Sun cured all
that with a blazing, remarkable performance in support of their self titled
debut disc at the Knitting Factory on sucky old Leonard Street in NYC. The
quintet took the stage a bit after 7:30 and opened with the appropriately titled
Fanfare. Frank Wyatt sat behind his Kurzweil, his fingers triggering
beauty and majesty as always. Chapter 7.1 was introduced by guitarist /
vocalist Stanley Whitaker as an Oblivion Sun refit of Chapter 7 from the
Pedal Giant Animals album he and Frank Wyatt released prior to this
project. Next was a gem by keyboardist Bill Plummer - Noodlepoint - a
very Happy The Man - esque number and great showcasing of the rhythm section of
bassist Dave DeMarco and Iluvatar drummer Chris Mack. Speaking of Wyatt
& Whitaker's former band, Happy The Man, a track from The Muse Awakens -
Shadowlites was given the Oblivion Sun treatment. It may just be my
perception, but Oblivion Sun seems to have an even more positive vibe than Happy
The Man did. Great interaction and nothing but smiles all night.
A very Crimsony guitar line by Whitaker drove No Surprises with pulsing
bass by DeMarco. Wyatt's playful Catwalk had a swell vocal by Whitaker
and fabulous, expansive chords. It's one of those songs you just don't want to
end. Things took a turn for the funkier with Re: Bootsy with Wyatt adding
tasty sax to the mix and Plummer using vintage sounds to bring the ear candy up
a notch. Nice Whitaker vocals on another Pedal Giant Animals tune: Everything.
A dog is admonished to Leave That Kitten Alone, Armone - a compelling
reading of the old Happy The Man number heavily featuring Mack's percussive
talents. Plummer introduced the final Pedal Giant Animals song to be
covered - Mists Of Babylon. The Ride had some great Hendrix-y
guitar from Whitaker and a bluesy vocal. Underwater we went with the moody
Tales Of Young Whales, one of the strongest numbers in a very strong set.
The Happy The Man-ish Golden Feast, another Wyatt composition, closed the
set.
An encore jam built into the HTM classic Carousel which grew and grew in
intensity, threatening to spin out of control! It was a magical night. Whitaker
& Wyatt have taken the very best elements of Happy The Man and brought in new
musicians and new elements, creating exciting new music to be long treasured.
Plummer, DeMarco, & Mack have much to say musically, and this quintet mesh in
ways few bands do. It's also a great experience to see 5 guys loving what they
do. If you've not heard the CD, get it! You'll not be disappointed. If Oblivion
Sun get within 200 miles of you - BE THERE! This is the stuff of dreams, my
friend.
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