Walking into Mother’s Wine Emporium on Saturday night to see a Bet Williams concert was a first for me. From the looks of things, I imagine a great number of the student body has also missed out. I almost wonder if RPI students know that Mother’s has nothing to do with wine but is actually a coffeehouse.
Small round tables covered in dull red cloths and lit by small candles gave the room this wonderful ambient feeling. If it weren’t for the uncomfortable wooden chairs I would have curled up and taken a nap. So this is how they keep people’s attention.
Opening for Williams were Aidan Quinn and Christine Stay, RPI alumni. My question is how does one graduate from RPI and then become a band?
Their songs were upbeat and catchy, and Stay definitely made me feel as if she were more connected to her music.
After a few songs, I noticed a definite pattern in the music, which sounded somewhat like that of a Sheryl Crow song I know. If it weren’t for Stay’s enthusiasm and emotion I don’t think the opener would have been extremely impressive.
Being from California they haven’t had a chance to get their music known to the masses, but they’re working on it, and have toured in Georgia and the Carolinas and have been heard on NPR.
Although Quinn‘s voice was a bit grating on my ears, even if he only sings chorus, I’ve made the decision that acoustic music is one of my favorite styles.
After a half an hour of Friction Farm, there was a twenty-minute “intermission” before Williams was introduced. Cookies and other refreshments were available to audience members.
After setting up on the small Mother’s stage, Williams was introduced and brought on stage.
Williams, with her long jacket and crazy blonde hair, had more than what could be called a strong presence on stage. Her attitude, shining through her actions and simple conversation with the small somewhat distant audience, changed the somber mood to something a little more exciting.
Accompanying Williams were a drummer and a bass player, both of which were sporting goatees and long hair. Très chic, and oh so beatnik. Folk concerts are so groovy! Williams’ music just makes you want to smile, and, if the crowd had been large enough, maybe even join in. Her crazy antics on stage concerning her hair and vocal effects made the show all the more exciting.
Singing songs from previous albums and also her new album, Rose Tattoo, Williams carried the music along with her strong resounding voice.
The songs ranged from things like her self proclaimed “Philly Anthem,” a song written to express her feelings about living in Philadelphia. Currently Willliams lives in New York City and also Woodstock from time to time. She remarks what a change it was moving to New York from Los Angeles.
The strong rock beat mixed with just the slightest hint of country makes William’s songs both enjoyable and relaxing.
Towards the end of the show, Williams introduced her pseudo improvisational opera to the Mother’s crowd, entitled “The Neighborhood Song.” Williams has a vision of barbecues and happy people in her neighborhood, “and everyone will be dancing around with giant spatulas, naked of course. It is the pagan kind of earthy opera.”
Soon thereafter the show was over, and the lights were brought back up. Looking around, I noticed a crowd of no more than thirty people, most of which looked to be members of the community.
I wondered to myself why more RPI students don’t take advantage of this source of entertainment at Mother’s, after all it’s free with RPI ID.
While I’m leaving I can only think of one thing though; this question that’s been on my mind after seeing all these concerts. Why is it musicians feel the need to walk around on stage while playing their guitars? Are they trying to prove some sort of point? I guess I’ll never know.
