Friday, September 26, 2008

Jose Gonzalez @ Yoshi's, Oakland, CA. (9/23/08)

Jose Gonzalez has come a long way since I first saw him at SXSW in 2006, playing on a tiny second stage at Club de Ville. He's been appearing on numerous late night tv shows and taking the stage for larger and larger crowds ever since. He took the stage on Wednesday at the legendary jazz club, Yoshi's, located in Jack London Square in Oakland, California. His set took place in front of the crimson curtains with his acoustic guitar and some backing support in the form of female vocals, bongo drums, and occasional keyboard parts. His sweet, euphonious voice brings fond memories of listening to Nick Drake outdoors on a summer night, and I must confess, the sound in that room is enough to make one salivate. I must say, his concluding performance of Massive Attack's "Teardrop" made me almost shed one of my own. Two thumbs up to Gonzalez's performance. He transcends the all too common indie folk singer/songwriter genre and focuses on melody, voice and evocative imagery. Make us proud, Jose!

Liz Letterland/BS



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