Brightest Young Things

House of Sweden photos: Joel Didriksen
Sixth & I Synagogue photos: Lexie Moreland

True story: When I was 8 years old, my Mother (a firm believer in developing any and all skill sets in her children as early in their life as possible) took me and my brother by our little hands and walked us 4 blocks over to the local music school.
There they "tested us" for musical aptitude and announced that while "not terrifically talented" we had nice long fingers and would do just great with guitars and later on with piano. So, two Spanish acoustic guitars were bought and we spent the next 4 or 5 years playing art party recitals and sitting next to a rather mean German lady who told us not to pull at the strings and would reward us for hours of playing classical music by teaching us "Hey Jude" or "Michelle". Needless to say, none of this went anywhere and at least once every six months my Mother (who herself does not play any instruments) brings it up.

"If only you'd persevered. You could have been sooooooo good"

(She also thinks in her heart of hearts, that if I stuck to gymnastics, which I was cruelly but rightfully ejected from because I was 11 and 5'9", I probably could have won some medals-not true)

But enough about my Mother's pipe dreams of guitar virtuosity for her children.
The point I am trying to make is that no matter how hard we tried, and how much we persevered, we never, ever, EVER, even in a million years could have been anywhere near as good as Jose Gonzalez is.
Most people never will.
I'll bet my head and my long fingers on it.

This is a talent so big, and so wonderful, that the fact that is comes in a package with humbleness and sense of humor, makes it almost outlandish. Especially in today's day, when gimmickry and fluff seem to be what gets you noticed.

Cale was suprised at just HOW many people loved him, but I always say "Never underestimate people's ability to see a good thing when smacked straight in the face with it" so when Jose came to town, DC met him with open arms and not one, but TWO shows in one day.

I, of course, missed the lunchtime free show at the House of Sweden (damn the full time work, geography and everything in between) but Joel went and this is how it was:

a delight. that's how it was.

Then at night, a sold out Sixth and I Synagogue sat around patiently yet eagerly awaiting. Thankfully, we had our complimentary issues of "Heeb" (the "Chosen issue" with Jonah Hill on the cover) to keep us entertained. I highly recommend the Joan Rivers article.
Aside from the magazine perusal, all that you could hear in the air were people (palpably excited) whispering "I am so glad I get to see him" and the like.
You have some fans out there Jose.

I'll say that Mia Doi Todd, who opened was absolutely darling, and her fusion guitar style (and the Max Fischer look-a-like bongo accompaniment) were lovely and endearing, and that is that. She has a new album out, and if you are looking for something to lounge around your favorite linen dresses in, this is the jam.
Here are some photos:

Onto more important things: Jose Gonzalez is a slight man. He is also soft spoken and has only his own soft voice and guitar to pick you up and carry you onto his cloud. The Synagogue, which is fast becoming my favorite intimate venue in the city (cue: our tears spilled at Devendra), while the vision lines leave a little to be desired, was a perfect locale for him.
I heard that when he played 930 club there was a sign that said: "Please respect the quiet and hushed nature of tonight’s performance"
No need for that here.
People were r.a.p.t.
Absolutely and irrevocably rapt.

With in-between songs banter left at minimum (a few thinly veiled atheist remarks and a "You can clap, though I've noticed most people start and then give up") he let his fingers do all the talking.
Instead of me trying to describe the delicate delicacy of "Heartbeats" or "Hints" or "Stay in The Shade", just listen to this:

It takes pure genius to make something so seemingly perfect happen.
One instrument that manages to sound as (heart and room) filling as an orchestra.
Musically, it is the cure for all that ails you.
Just close your eyes, and imagine he is singing it just to you.
Go on.
Its OK.
You feel that chord coming around the bend, tickling up your spine, and sneaking into your jaded self, ready to unfurl your inner nymph?
Slowly but surely.
And undeniably.
Yep.
Feel that?
That's it.
You got it now.
Don't you wish you felt like that more often?
Me too.

Come back soon again.
Maybe we'll let you have 4 shows in a day.
Or 10.

Previously in Live DC:

• 2/9: LiveDC: Theophilus London @ 930 Club
• 2/9: Best Weekend Bets
• 2/8: LiveDC: Kathleen Edwards @ 930 Club
• 2/8: LiveDC: Thurston Moore/ Kurt Vile @ Black Cat
• 2/8: LiveDC: Thurston Moore/ Kurt Vile @ Black Cat
• 2/7: LiveDC: Demetri Martin @ Warner Theatre
• 2/7: LiveDC: Augustana/ Graffiti6 @ 930 Club
• 2/6: LiveDC: All Things Go Presents: Reptar/ Casual Curious/ Fort Lean @ Gibson Guitar Showroom
• 2/6: LiveDC: TYCHO/ Beacon @ RNR Hotel
• 2/6: LiveDC: The Kills / Jeff The Brotherhood @ 9:30 Club