Nicole Atkins, Wonderbar, Asbury Park, N.J. - Nov. 26, 2008

Hip singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins was set to perform at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, N.J. Calamity fell when the Pony needed unexpected repairs to its roof. I only have a few songs in itunes by Nicole, and I think her voice is just lovely. An ex-boyfriend had introduced me to a whole other side of music, and I took it - I guess it was worth it. Sorry, I digressed.

So, back to the Wonderbar. I was excited and really interested in seeing her perform live. As she greeted the crowd with enthusiasm and character I felt optimistic this was going to be a good show. Her unbelievable voice reminds me of Feist. The first few songs gave you a taste of Nicole, but after that the sounds mashed together with piercing vibrations. The "backup" singers couldn't be heard, and the band even overpowered her powerful voice. Unfortunately, I had to move to the back to enjoy the show.

Although the mesh of sounds filled the room, the energy was enlightening with her friends and family that came to support her. What an experience to see an artist in their own skin. It connects you with her or him - more than just relating to the lyrics. I would see Nicole Atkins again, just not at the Wonderbar.

David Ford, Mercury Lounge, New York, N.Y. - October 28, 2008

I've never seen David Ford before, but I was serendipitously introduced while on a road trip to Annapolis. Ironically, I did enjoy Songs For The Road. A friend invites me to see him live in NYC, and promises me that I will enjoy it.

The extremely small, dark and intimate room in the Mercury is just about the perfect setting for a performance. As we wait for him to start, he passes by us a few times while setting up. How refreshing to see the real thing.

He starts off with "Nothing At All", and jokes to the audience about how he just got back from his humiliation tour, where he was touring cities that he's never been to before, and wound up singing for bar staff instead of a crowd. New York is quite different, and as a woman, I am the minority on this cold night at the Mercury. It's quiet, and "I'm Alright Now" is when you can feel the fans become one during that moment. But, "Requiem" is what I've been waiting for. His lyrics are poetically romantic playing with political opinions and social destruction. The music plays with your senses, and loudly fills the room - just as loud as his lyrics. Admiration and hope is what I feel, and as the election is near, it feels like the crowd is connected. To see him perform live is an experience in itself. Ford is the modern one-man band - looping different instruments and his own voice while he sings powerful and sometimes melancholy lyrics.

As he comes back onto the cramped stage with all of his instruments, " Go to Hell" becomes the encore where each instrument (including his voice) run into each other like lovers who reunite. Do I even have to say it? My friend was more than just right.

After the show we saw David walk through the crowd a few times, and finally we said, "hello."