It is accurate to speak of having ones faith restored by a certain experience. So, it is both fair and accurate to say that the performance by the Sess last night restored my faith in local music. If you look at the picture above- that was taken sometime in april or may 2006 at a house party in university heights. So a year and a half later I have to say that the Sess sound amazing-- but different then they sounded a year ago. There was a power and originality in the music that I heard last night that was a tantalizing glimpse of a big stage ready rock act. And their 7"? IS. AMAZING. The Sess have taken a huge step forward. And I was told that the full length was "almost done". If that is indeed the case- produced the same way the 7" was produced, with a similar style. Watch out. People should want to get their hands on the disc, is all I'm saying. They should WANT to hear it BEFORE its released, if you know what I mean.
I think last night was a significant statement of the power or should I say, "dynamacism" of the independent music environment in San Diego county.
Let's review the bands on the bill last night: The Prayers, The Muslims, The Atoms, The Vultures, The Sess & The Sundelles.
So dispensing credit: the bands! Mr. Rowland of the Vultures, Mario Orduno, Tim Mays. I'd say last night was a credit to all involved.
I think the Casbah needs to be acknowledged as stepping up its game and generally demonstrating a level of ambition and support for local music that, frankly, shames other local venues. Having shows like that on friday as opposed to tuesday is a big, big difference. The sound was great, too. Tim Mays was actually there for part of the night! I never see him at the Casbah.
The crowd was very good. Not Grand Ole Party/Scarlet Symphony good, but def. crowded and energetic. Crowd energy is an important factor in creating that desired emotional reaction/connection with the music. The spirit. I think keeping that energy level high is the great difficulty in generating greater attachment. The ambition of the fest was the key to its success. That, and the choice of acts. Every act I saw last night should be working on recording a full length record, and then making sure people hear it, and then releasing it themselves and touring in support of that record the following 12 months. EVERY SINGLE BAND. Let's get some full lengths recorded, people!!!
