Brightest Young Things

Words by: Salvatore Colleluori

Photos from: Franz Nicolay's Myspace

I admit, I have never seen The Hold Steady in action nor do I even know who The Sound Team is.  Now that I got that disclaimer out of the way, I'm glad I don't know either band that well because it gave me a fresh set of ears and a new perspective with which to listen to these two great musicians.

(for those who care what Hold Steady IS like in action-follow this link-ed)

I arrived at the Black Cat a bit earlier fearing the impending rain and figuring I could grab a beer or two before the show.  The Red Room downstairs at the Black Cat was almost completely empty except for a couple people hanging around the bar.  Promptly at 9:30 TV Torso and his band came on and began a set of loud rock and roll.  I went inside to check out the action and there were literally 10 people there.  I love music more than anything and being a musician I know how disheartening it can be to play for a non-existent audience.  This did nothing to stop TV Torso from playing his Rolling Stonesesque brand of rock.  He had powerful vocals and drove every song with his strong strumming guitar. The highlight of their set was a song called I Can See Your Face, which can be found on their new EP. Music is spontaneous and as always technical difficulties can affect a show.  During the last song, the bass player's bass crapped out and he was forced to "interpretively dance" around the stage which consisted of him jumping up and down and slamming his fists against the back (brick wall) of the stage. All in all TV Torso is worth seeing and even spending the $5 on the EP.

After a VERY short break, Franz Nicolay came out in a full white suit, top hat, and finger rolled moustache. Unlike TV Torso which had a backing band, Franz came out all by himself with a guitar, accordion, and banjo.  At this point there were literally 8 people, if that in the audience, which is sad because Franz put on one of the best shows I have ever seen in my entire life.  I've seen Phish, I've seen The Dead, I've seen Bruce Springsteen at a sold out Giants Staidum yet something about Franz standing on stage being the "entertainer" for the evening, speaking to each person as if they were his friend, made for one of the most amazing experiences in music I have ever witnessed.  He doesn't play songs, have some stage banter, then move on.  Rather Franz tells stories in a particually French way, almost channeling Caberet.  I felt like he was part of a circus sideshow and he was the ringmaster.  It didn't matter to him that there were 8 people there to watch his magic, it mattered that he LOVES music and he LOVES to perform and 8 or 8 million he's going to be himself and put on his show.

Being alone on that stage has to be daunting.  If your show sucks you have only yourself to blame.  Luckily his instruments were like his bandmates.  His guitar rang out loud and his voice which was strong and forceful also had a more subtle side.  His Billy Joel type style of singing made it seem as if it were an episode of storytellers and each song had great lyrics and evocative style. I walked back out into the night rain knowing I had witnessed something special.

FOR MORE INFO ON BANDS:

Franz Nicolay

TV Torso

Previously in Live DC:

• 5/24: LiveDC: The Adicts @ RNR Hotel
• 5/24: LiveDC: The Donkeys @ Black Cat
• 5/23: LiveDC: The Barr Brothers w/ Kishi Bashi @ The Hamilton
• 5/23: LiveDC: Damien Jurado @ Black Cat
• 5/23: Report: Soundbites 2012
• 5/22: LiveDC: Spirit Animal @ Red Palace
• 5/22: LiveDC: Astra Via @ Black Cat
• 5/22: LiveDC: Father John Misty @ Rock & Roll Hotel
• 5/22: LiveDC: Drive-By Truckers and Lucinda Williams @ Merriweather
• 5/22: Photos: Summer Camp takes the "Ladies of Town" Drag Show