Simply put
Devendra Banhart has an amazing voice. While I certainly enjoy it on record, I didn't truly grasp how uniquely expressive it is until his Sunday benefit show at the Tonic. Devendra literally throws his body into his voice, sometimes even doubling over to hit notes. It's almost as if his voice takes him over, except he has incredible control over it. Listening to his last two albums now, I can literally picture him singing the songs and they're sounding better than ever.
Sunday's show was really loose, feeling more like some sort of a campfire jam session than a formal performance. Devendra started things off solo with "A Sight to Behold" but quickly started to be joined by a large and revolving cast - first just an extra guitarist, but then all three members of openers Tarantula, half of CocoRosie (thanks to Brooklyn Vegan for the ID), a guy on flute, and a few others. The setlist was equally loose, focusing more on covers and new songs than Devendra's own music. "The Body Breaks" and "Little Yellow Spider" were both great, but my favorite songs were two that he sung beautifully in Spanish. One was a traditional song popularized by Caetano Veloso - perhaps "Cucurrucucu Paloma" - and the other was a brand new song. Devendra said he has trouble remembering new songs until he cuts them in the studio, but noted the one he played as an exception. A cover of Antony's "Fistful of Love" (thanks again to BV for the ID) was also great.
Specific songs were naturally the highlights, but dwelling on them too much seems to miss the point with Devendra - he didn't even plan to perform them all when he walked on stage. Not only was show closer "Be Kind" a request, but he also showed the guitarist how to play it before they started. Though some artists might struggle with such a loose set, it seemed perfect for Devendra. He's a natural performer, the kind that could walk into a room with just his acoustic guitar, invite anyone to join him, and drop a full set without even blinking.
Brooklyn Vegan and Brass Bonanza were also there - check them both out for great reviews and pictures. (Brass Bonanza's shots are similar enough to mine that I think we may have been next to each other without realizing it!)
It's been a very busy work day so far, but we should have some new posts up this afternoon. In the meantime, I'll leave you with this sad, but true news event: Someone has stolen Slash's hat! From television station WHAM in Westchester, NY comes the story:
Velvet Revolver guitarist Slash was left devastated after his trademark top hat was stolen at this month's Grammy Awards.
The former Guns N' Roses rocker had worn the same headgear for 15 years, but is now looking for a replacement after the hat was taken from the back of the band's limousine.
A source says, "Slash was livid. There's no amount of money that can replace it."