Cuddle Magic : Valentine’s - 4/19/08

( Note: at least four other acts performed at this show, but since I was splitting my time upstairs while also getting ready to play with Ben Karis-Nix downstairs, Cuddle Magic was the only full set I was able to witness, hence the singular review… )

It’s not often that I am captivated from the first note of a set of music. Cuddle Magic (Jamaica Plain, MA) had me before they started. Arriving at the top of that staircase at Valentine’s I witnessed quite a miraculous band set-up taking place.

The troupe of seven (I think…) folks brought at least four floor lamps and table lights to join their stage set up. After seeing years of shows upstairs at this Albany, NY mainstay it set the tone for a completely different world - appropriate for the music that was about to take place. Joining the lamps was an old-school gumball machine bottom anchoring the rest of the stage where instruments and chairs were splayed around, young musicians tuning and warming up. Seeing the Rhodes electric piano, the bass clarinet, the vibraphone and more than one banjo on stage, I could tell we were in for something special very soon.

And there it was, the opening notes of Cuddle Magic’s set. A few sparse close-clustered notes paced from the Rhodes as the drummer joined in with a few “free “ moments before teaming up with the acoustic guitar and eventually the rest of the band. Those brief moments of “free” in the songs is what set this ensemble apart from many of the large-band “folkestras” that seem to be cropping up everywhere. What’s different with ‘Magic is that it’s truly informed free-playing, as it is plain to note that these musicians are learned and studied at their instruments.

Each song featured some severely forward-thinking complex part-writing; whether it be in the syncing of the violin to the trumpet or a complementary flute flourish or some cyclical polymeters / rhythms - it was hypnotic and engaging to say the least. I want to sit here and single out any one player for their heroism, but I can’t — each one had moments of brilliance. There were some harmonies laid by the female vocalist (Kristin Slipp, I’m guessing from the website?) that were just so, so, so well-placed and clear. Much bowing is due to the drummer (Paul Flaherty?) for powerful, yet quiet rhythm cages - in such tandem with upright bassist Bridget that I was hanging on every beat.

From listening to their recently released self-titled album (an immediate merch table purchase!), it seems that they’ve got a wealth of new material since I didn’t recognize much on the disc from last night’s show. Perhaps one or two? I dig the disc enough, but if what we heard was new material — this band is simply getting better and better….

( Thanks to The Hobo Banned crew for continuing to bring excellent bands through town and giving them an audience of welcoming ears. looking forward to 5/3 when they bring Wye Oak to Valentine’s. Rad. )