Delaney / Brian Straw (11/2/05)



While at the Hamell on Trial show, I see a flyer for Delaney... "From France" it read. I thought how rare it would be to catch an unknown french artist touring in the US. Though as I do with all new discoveries, I had to search for all the information I could on the Internet. I couldn't find a site for Delaney, but I found the one for her label that was promoting her album. It included this amazing song:

"Sur La Place Lili Boulanger"

Also performing that night was the local Brian Straw. I had seen him behind the bar at the Beachland, but was impressed with what I heard of him on the Internet...

Delaney walks out on stage with that kinda-dirty typical French look, with an subtle edge to match. She starts performing but unfortunately it's a trouble-ridden set. Strings broke, delays were had, and about the only thing Delaney said was "Thank You." I was beginning to question how much English she knew (not that I would have cared if she didn't know any)... I also couldn't help but think how much she reminded me of Rachel Griffiths' character in Six Feet Under, Brenda. In fact, if Brenda had decided to re-invent herself (again) by moving to Paris 6 years ago and started playing music, this would be a very possible incarnation for that character.

Overall I can't say much for the set. I found myself feeling more awkward for the clumsyness than I was actually enjoying myself. However at the end, I still wanted to get her CD which she didn't even have any out to sell. She ended up going to the dressing room to get one for me. You can check it out for yourself at the iTunes Music Store. She also has some songs you can download from her MySpace page.

Brian was up next and you could tell he was about to put on a production... he was hanging a sheet and setting up a slide projector. While this was happening, I ended up chatting with this guy sitting next to me at the bar who remembered Brian from his performances at Speak in Tongues, so I knew I was in for a good show. I also got hear about his personal memories of Speak in Tongues, just as I have from many others while I have been in Cleveland. Sorry I missed that place....

He had an air of total confidence on stage, coupled with a rich, quivery voice that only drew you in and made you want to watch more. Unfortunately, by this time it was very late for a Wednesday night, and I had to go home. Definitely go check him out sometime.

Check out his concert calendar and download some tracks from his MySpace page.

Posted: Sun - April 9, 2006 at 07:30 PM           |

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