MUSIC: Regina Spektor Beautifies The Vets

Monday, October 08, 2012

Rob Duguay, GoLocalProv Music Contributor

On a wonderful Friday night in Providence, the amazing Regina Spektor graced the stage at The Veterans Memorial Auditorium as part of her tour in support of her sixth studio album, What We Saw From The Cheap Seats, that was released to record store shelves and ITunes this past May. The ambience and acoustics of the famous VMA were exhilarating, impeccable sound resonating from the stage and a spectacular view from any seat in the house. To make the night even better Spektor had an awesome opening act as well, fellow New York City indie rockers Only Son.

Only Son

Only Son is the solo musical project of Jack Dishel, who is also the former lead guitarist for New York City indie band The Moldy Peaches, the former lead singer of another band from The Big Apple called Stipplicon and Spektor's husband. Dishel and his backing band had a poppy indie rock sound that reminded me of alternative rock pioneers R.E.M. and Boston rock & rollers Guster. A dynamic set that included "My Museum", "Magic", "Solo Mission", "True", "Searchlight" and "Stamp Your Name On It" started off the evening with a bang, and the audience was extremely appreciative of it.

Regina Spektor

After a brief intermission, the lights dimmed and the crowd went wild as Spektor and her backing band consisting of Yoed Nir on Cello, Mateus Kunsley on drums and Brad Knightly on alternating piano made their presence felt. Like an elegant silhouette all dressed in black, Spektor started singing an a capella version  "Aint No Cover" followed up with playing "The Calculation" on a shadowy Steinway & Sons grand piano. Resuming an invigoratingly powerful set highlighted by "On The Radio", "Small Town Moon", "Ode to Divorce", "Blue Lips", "Patron Saint", "How" and "All The Rowboats", Spektor then joined her husband on stage to perform "Call Them Brothers" to much of the crowd's delight.

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Finishing up the array of songs with "Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitter Pas)", "Oh Marcello", "Ballad of A Politician", "Open", "Folding Chair" and "The Party", Spektor and her band left to a standing ovation. Coming back out to an excited crowd for the encore, Spektor gave them plenty: "Us", "Fidelity" and "Hotel Song". For more info on the next big show coming to The Veterans Memorial Auditorium, log on to www.vmari.com for everything you need to know.

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