Concert: Nina Nastasia/Howe Gelb
10 July 2003 (Ottawa Blues Fest)
Reviewed by John Sekerka

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Bluesfest my ass. No matter, we get some nifty players travelling north that wouldn't otherwise. Death country balladeer Nina Nastasia performing in daylight was an odd moment, but a good kinda odd. Enveloped by a cracker jack band, especially Dirty Three drummer Jim White on the skins, Nastasia poured out her cold cold heart with a charm that belied the savage material. It was all warm and fuzzy, much like a Mazzy Star dreamstate moment. Not the vein slashing torture I had expected but mighty fine nonetheless.

A little later, and much darker, Howe Gelb took over the stage. A grain of Giant Sand holding down the fort in mesmerizing solo fashion. Switching from guitar to piano to CD player, and sometimes employing all at once, Gelb created a striking film noire performance that veered on the experimental side without ever losing the melody. Tires screeched, dogs howled and leaves fell, and Howe incorporated it all as if it had been scripted. Death valley folk, whiskey rock and troubled in mind jazz - a rare magical moment sure to be fondly recounted for years to come.

© 2003 - John Sekerka