Ben Folds Five, Urban Art Bar,
April 16, 1997
Opening Act - Not memorable
After having such a hectic weekend with Barenaked Ladies, I was really not in the mood for another concert, but am I glad I found the energy to head out to this one. After some disappointing opening acts, the trio known as Ben Folds Five (Ben says he miscounted) hit the stage around 11:15pm. Certainly too late for me on a work night, but well worth the wait and exceedingly more than worth the $1.07 it cost for a Buzz Wednesday Night Special.
This group from Chapel Hill, North Carolina (home of my alma mater, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill), consists of Ben Folds on piano, Robert Sledge on bass guitar and stand up bass, and Darren Jessee on drums. They have two CDs, a self-titled and their newest, "Whatever and Ever Amen". Ben Folds is an incredible pianist. I was positioned about 5 feet away from his fingers and at times they were moving so fast, I couldn't see them. He uses his arms, elbows, legs, feet, and even played a little mouth keyboard (not sure of the official name). Memorable songs were "Kate", dedicated to Ben's wife, "Alice Childress", dedicated to their road manager's wife, "Battle of Who Could Care Less", the common dilemma about the one that cares the most has the least power in a relationship , "Steven's Last Night in Town", a song about a guy that they kept throwing going away parties for, but would never leave, "Brick", a haunting tune about disillusionment in a relationship, "Song for the Dumped", the way we all feel when someone tells us they need space, and the peppy "Underground". BFF adds a lot of energy to pop songs that utilize the piano instead of heavy guitars. They rock no less, but offer an "alternative" (I hate that word) to the grungey, distorted, heavy sounds that are so prevalent today.
I will see Ben Folds anytime I can, and already know that they are going to be at the Midtown Festival in Atlanta, onstage just before Barenaked Ladies and Squirrel Nut Zippers. I'll be dancin' the night away!!!
On That Note, I'm outta here......
