Patrick Watson :: October 17th, The Largo

   We paid our twenty dollars, were told where the drinks and the bathrooms were, and walked in. The old world, Hollywood feel of the Largo is priceless and you feel a bit transported upon arrival. We were there to see Patrick Watson. And we did, within minutes of stepping inside the courtyard of the Largo, we see him in his classic hat, you know the one with the bill flipped up, running around, getting a drink, talking with friends, getting bombarded by women. The kind of women who no doubt talk to him because they are full blown infatuated with him, wanting nothing more that for him to be their own personal muse, singing for them nightly on the foot of their bed. And he talks to them because, well they’re hot, and overly interested in him. The perks of fame.

    Coffee sounded like a good idea, so we grabbed a cup and sat down. The theater was dark, but rather intimate. A band we’d never heard of opened. They were the Threes and Nines. They were simple and just good music. I’m always struck when such simple music can be as enjoyable as they were. I picked up their EP for $5, and I don’t regret it. After a quick intermission-esque cigarette, we headed back in for the headline.

    The bands intro was riddled with comments to each other on stage, shout outs to friends in the audience, and the kind of situating you do when you just wanna get comfortable. The attitude all of this exuded was one of accessibility, and that only got more so as the night went on. Song after song, you were drawn into the uniqueness and originality the band presents. Not to mention that it’s infinitely more interesting watching someone who has fun when they’re playing then someone who takes it all too seriously. Whether by the bullhorn trumpet, the singing in the audience, the comedically played out encore, or the lost slide whistle finally found, they ended up earning your friendship by the final act. And if you weren’t just simply amazed (which most were) you were overwhelmed with thankfulness for them, and not just the music they create, but the experience the create.

    I got to thank most of them after the show over cigarettes and chats. But, what I really regret is not asking Patrick about what is was like working with Vincent Moon.

    Maybe another time, until then, at least I have this.

Take Away Show #97 _ Patrick Watson (full version) from vincent moon / temporary areas on Vimeo.