[ATTENDED: July 11, 2018] Junun
I thought traffic might be out of hand getting to the Wells Fargo Center (I had a bad experience parking when we saw Pearl Jam there). Plus the show started at 7:30, which is pretty much heart of rush hour if you’re trying to get there at a reasonable hour.
So I left straight from work and wound up an hour earlier than when the doors opened. I thought here was a chance I’d miss Junun if I got there late, but here I was super early again. So I had a nice parking lot chat with Sarah while I waited. Then I continued with my book (same book as the previous show–it’s a pocket-sized paperback (Terry Pratchett), perfect for this sort of thing).
I had a seat this time, so I wasn’t in a hurry. I bought some small merch (socks!) and took my seat.
Unlike last time when I was on the floor, for this show I was stage left almost exactly parallel with the stage. It wasn’t a great location for seeing the light show, but Junun doesn’t have one. The main gripe for me was that the lighting pole was in the worst spot for me to see the front of the stage.
For my post from a few weeks ago, click here.
As I mentioned last time, Junun is actually the name of an album. But the performers and composers go by the unwieldy moniker Shye Ben Tzur, Jonny Greenwood, and the Rajasthan Express.
So, Junun came out and I wound up enjoying the music a lot more as I was relaxed in my seat, not scoping out the best view (or being tired from standing, like last time).
It was fun watching it from this point of view as well.
Although I could see the gulf that was between the stage and the audience (this was not present at MSG). Watching the performers try to “connect” with fans who were six or seven feet away was kind of crappy. The sound was also crappy. The drums were so incredibly loud and the horns were really tinny. It made me worried for Radiohead (but their sound was excellent).
On the other hand I could actually hear what Jonny was doing, which I couldn’t at MSG.
But the band gave its all and the sound is better on my phone.
She Ben-Tzur mentioned it being their last night and they thanked us and Radiohead for being supportive. For the final song the two guys who came out front to sing were really engaging with the audience in a way I didn’t notice at MSG. Like in this call and response section as they tried to bridge the frankly crazy large gap between fan and stage.
And once again, I had a great view of Nathu Lal Solanki on drums.
According to Setlist, they played one different song on this night. I particularly enjoyed this mellower section.
As i said, I could hear Jonny’s contributions more. I noticed his distinctly Radiohead bass line on this song and the guitar chimes on this one.
Honestly, it felt like a more fun event (which again, may have just been me).
I have since listened to the CD and I really enjoyed it. The music is a bit toned down, but the melodies and singing styles are really great. It also has a much warmer feel than the huge stadium did.
I’m happy for this project to have gotten so much exposure in the States. I hope it leads to more success for all of them.
SETLIST:
Julus
Hu
Chala Vahi Des
Junun
Modeh
Duma Dum Mast Kalandar
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