A couple dozen music lovers sat cross-legged on the floor in front of Crosstown Station's stage. It may have looked like a scene straight out of 1969, but Over the Rhine is anything but a retro act. The Ohio-based musicians made a strong case for being one of today's most vital and overlooked bands during a brilliant 90-minute performance Tuesday.
"We're celebrating our 20th anniversary this year," vocalist Karin Bergquist noted.
Over the Rhine never acquired the trendy cache enjoyed by the likes of Neko Case during their two-decade career, but that doesn't mean that they're any less substantial or artistically satisfying than their more celebrated peers in the Americana music fold.
Perhaps part of the disconnect between quality and popularity is due to Over the Rhine's inconsistent recorded work. Their albums aren't entirely convincing, but almost everything Over the Rhine offered Tuesday smoldered with creative urgency.
Over the Rhine's premier asset is Bergquist's dazzling voice. In both tone and delivery, she falls somewhere between Bessie Smith and fellow Ohioan Chrissie Hynde. Accordingly, the band expertly works the terrain between otherworldly blues and contemporary roots rock.
They opened by transforming "Born" into a soulful country romp. It was followed by the convincing gospel-hued "I Don't Want To Waste Your Time." A gorgeous reading of "Drunkard's Prayer," made mournful by the whine of a pedal steel guitar, was deeply moving. "Suitcase" sounds like the sort of surefire hit that Faith Hill or Martina McBride could transport to the top of the country charts.
The band also played European cabaret and elaborate pop in the vein of Todd Rundgren. During "Don't Wait For Tom," a playful tribute to Tom Waits, Bergquist pounded on a cookie sheet, a telling detail that reveals the band's earthy sense of adventure. Bergquist and her husband, outstanding keyboardist Linford Detweiler, were joined by a guitarist, bassist and drummer. Save a pointless drum solo, their contributions were entirely winning.
Old-fashioned troubadour Ari Hest opened the memorable show. His straightforward story songs and vibrant melodies evoked Jim Croce. Although he was armed solely with an acoustic guitar, Hest received a reverent reception from the considerate audience of about 200.
In addition to being a first-rate listening room, Crosstown Station boasts pristine sound and lighting. It's the kind of venue that makes good musicians sound great. And in the case of Over the Rhine, it allowed a great act sound like one of the best bands in the world.
| Bill Brownlee, Special to The Star
I should have gone... dang it
Posted by: Tim | August 20, 2009 at 07:57 AM
over the rhine IS one of the best bands in the world...good venue or not. and "suitcase" is way beyond anything that would graze the pop-country charts...faith hill wouldn't be able to do it justice. :)
Posted by: sara | August 26, 2009 at 04:46 PM