Ok, so I rant on occasion and this brief blog will be no exception! Rusty and I went to the Fillmore for the Martin Sexton concert last week, on a Thursday no less. I know you're thinking, but wait, don't you need to get up at an ungodly hour to get to work. Yes, but Martin Sexton refuses to change his tour dates to fit my schedule. We got back from the Martin Sexton concert and I was on a post concert high, or it could be just the second hand smoke from all of the audience members toking up. Something I may never get used to is people in San Francisco toking up at every musical event or group gathering. The Fillmore is an historic venue with thousands of pictures of past performers lining the walls. We got there early to stake out territory as there are no seats. Who knew Martin sexton was such a dude and sorority chick magnet. We knew we were in for a long night when we saw several examples of the "Bro-hug". You know, two young men clasping hands, and hugging shoulder to shoulder, lest a full on hug turn them each gay. The opening singer was Ryan Montbleau, an awesome guitarist with a passable voice.
Rusty and I were not amazed that everyone was talking during the warm up act, but that these young whipper snappers were screaming over the guitar playing so their witty and snarky comments could be heard by everyone. It appears the Fillmore was filled with hundreds of mini universes; each hosting a population of one dumb a-hole. I guess I wouldn't mind all the talking and laughing if something interesting were being said, but the word vapid is not a strong enough adjective for the level of conversation. "Duuuuuuude!"
Although people were somewhat subdued (or just heavily stoned) during Martin Sexton's set, people were still excessive wankers. We finally found an area of people actually there for the concert and glared at any little skinny sorority sister walking by screaming about the last party or her latest drinking binge as she passed.
It worked and we ended up actually hearing the music, we enjoyed the odd but talented stylings of Martin Sexton. He has an extremely versatile baritone voice. He is a singer/songwriter type without the earnestness of most in this genre. He plays blues, a little country, some soul, and folk. He is an excellent yodeler and has a clear and impressive falsetto range. He sang mostly his own songs but also sang a few Beatles tunes and a Prince song. If I wasn't a true fan before, I certainly am now.
In complete opposition to this experience, we also went to see Eric Himan at a small gay club in SF last Saturday. There were perhaps twenty people in the place, and we were sitting close enough to read the multiple tatoos on his arm. The evening was intimate, the music was a tad over sincere, but filled with the angst only achievable by a young, gay, singer-songwriter. He has a great Blues guitar playing style. His banter was witty and honest. He seems to be a great guy.With Halloween on the way, and more importantly, election day, there are sure to be many adventures in the next few weeks. Stay tuned.
