There are few times that I can say that I was at the best show in the city, which in someway might be the best show in the country; at least for one night. Saturday, July 12, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in Lincoln Center, I saw Damon Albarn’s Honest Jon’s Revue. This was the show to be at. It was not sold out. It was not widely advertised, but the right people were there. David Bryne from the Talking Heads sat three rows in front of me. Much of the New York music Industry came in there casual yet cool (but not hipster) clothes into the sometimes stuffy air of the Avery Fisher auditorium to see a show of mostly African Music; of musicians who most of whom have never left Mali, according the guy who arranged the travel. He was sitting right behind me.
Of course, Damon Albarn is the lead singer of Blur, The Glorillaz, and The Good, The Bad, and The Queen. Honest Jon is a music label from England where all the performers belonged to.
I feel more unqualified than usual to review this. I have never heard African music before; not like this anyway. I loved it. It was a joy. It was unpretentious. Everyone was just having fun.
To his credit, Albarn would hide when he felt that too many people were looking at him, and not playing proper attention to the musicians.
The music arranged to very traditional music to a great brass section to some Senegalese dudes rockin’ out in French. Totally kicked ass!
Albarn played the last song. It was a happy performance, and I was glad I didn’t need to be rushed to hospital afterwards, because I was very sick that night. I was ready to see the show and go to the hospital right afterwards. Oye Vey!
I wonder if Radiohead can beat this.
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