<\/a><\/p>\n

The feeling of getting lost in a show (not literally, because that sucks, especially when you\u2019re 13 and at a punk show for the first time) is something that doesn\u2019t happen often. However, when it does, it\u2019s indescribable. You lose track of time and what life is like outside of that enclosed venue. That\u2019s what it felt like at Jonathan Wilson\u2019s show at Music Hall of Williamsburg on 2\/14 (the sexiest day of the year).<\/p>\n

The opener, which my boyfriend and I missed half of, was The Blank Tapes hailing from Los Angeles and capturing that hazy, washed out vibe SoCal is known for nowadays. From what I heard, most of their songs sounded quite similar, but were broken up with lead singer and guitarist Matt Adams\u2019 searing guitar solos, every note hit with precision.<\/p>\n

Then, Jonathan Wilson came on, unassumingly, in what I can only describe as a guitar wizard\/alchemist\u2019s garb. They got right down to it, opening with \u201cFanfare\u201d off his sophomore release, aptly named,\u00a0Fanfare<\/i>. The song’s instrumental opening was about five-minutes, building up suspense and setting the standard for songs to come. Wilsons\u2019 backing band was tight and took cues from him instantaneously.<\/p>\n

The song that got me hooked on Jonathan Wilson over a year ago was “Desert Raven” off of his first record, Gentle Spirit<\/em>. It\u00a0was the one I had been waiting for the whole set, although when he finally played it–an 8-minute song originally–he condensed it to five, leaving us feeling rushed. However, the real showstopper, which came in the middle of the set, was \u201cCan We Really Party Today?\u201d a song that was, admittedly, not my favorite off of Gentle Spirit<\/em>, but evokes a completely different atmosphere when played live.<\/p>\n

Well over two hours later, Jonathan Wilson and Co. closed out \u00a0with \u201cLa Isla Bonita\u201d, a Madge cover. After all that time spent with him, he barely spoke a word, instead letting the music speak for him. I think that\u2019s the way he wants it, and that\u2019s OK with me.<\/p>\n

Listen to the title track off\u00a0Fanfare<\/em>, here via Soundcloud:<\/p>\n