Pasadena Civic Auditorium Customers Reviews
great band , great venue
he natives were getting restless at the Beacon Theater Saturday night. It was almost 8:30, and still no Dawes. This was uncharacteristic of a band that is usually courteous to its fans and start fairly promptly.
However, all was forgiven when Goldsmith and co. hit the stage. After the first few songs Taylor Goldsmith, front man and main song writer, apologized, explaining that there was a major technical problem with their monitors. He promised that they would forgo the usual break and play straight through. Refreshingly honest and considerate.
Dawes live is somewhat different from Dawes on record- there’s much more of a jam band vibe than their tightly produced albums. Their newest, Misadventures Of Doomscroller, does feature more of a relaxed feeling with extended instrumentals. (It took a while for this to grow on me - one of the things I usually look for in a new Dawes album is stuff I can play - no could solo guitar songs here). Goldsmith and second guitarist Trevor Meaner trade solos and often play twin leads thirds apart reminiscent of the Allman Brothers. Lee Pardini on keyboards is terrific. The band’s secret weapon is Wylie Gelber on bass. His virtuoso playing propels the band, and the Beacon’s wonderful acoustics keeps his contribution from being swallowed up. Taylor’s brother Griffin on drums contributes fabulous harmonies and an occasional lead vocal. The usual lineup was augmented by a percussionist whose name I did not catch
The set Dawes played was significantly different from the one they played in Philadelphia two nights before. Even Bruce is playing mostly the same set from night to night. There were two no songs - a humorous solo acoustic “House Parties” featuring a swipe at Kanye (deserved in my mind- sorry Iman!) and a mediocre “What it Takes”. Four of the 7 songs from Doomscroller were played, and all were more exciting and dynamic than on the record. Of course the show concluded with full-throated audience singalongs on “When MyTime Comes” and the brilliant “All Your Favorite Bands”. Unfortunately the usual of encore of “A Little Bit of Everthing” was omitted, presumably because of time pressure caused by the late start.
This is one of my favorite bands ( and even my wife’s as well, and she’s tough to please) and they came through with flying colors. The songs have wit and power and they are played beautifully.