Greatly Entertained by Seeing Blind
July 22nd, 2009
And yes, I was.
When listening to a band for the first time, my natural tendency is to subconsciously compare the sound to other bands I’m familiar with. It’s not because I prefer one band over another; it’s just that there are sounds bands play that remind me of other bands. It’s not surprising when considering that most musicians get their inspiration and influences from other musicians they admire.
The first sound that came to mind when listening to Greatly Entertained, the latest album from Seeing Blind, was the multi-instrumental jam sound of The Dave Matthews Band. I admittedly felt a bit weird about this comparison as Dave Matthews is much more mainstream than Seeing Blind, but upon looking at the band’s website, my fears were put to rest. It turns out one Melissa Levi’s listed influences is The Dave Matthews Band, along with other bands from folk-jam genre.
What impressed me the most about Seeing Blind is the fantastic combination of sound that comes from just four musicians: Melissa Levi on guitar and vocals, Jessika Kitzman on Cello, Wes Amundsen on Bass, and Luke Larson on Drums. (Included on a couple of songs on this album is Stephen Morrissey on horns.) While Melissa’s soulful crooning is definitely in the forefront of this group, it is clear that her voice is definitely given the lift it needs from the sounds of the rest of the band. More often than not it’s hard to believe this band does not have more than four musicians.
It’s been a while since I’ve heard a voice as distinctive as that of Melissa Levi’s. It was hard at first to compare it to anyone in particular, and while Levi definitely has fantastic voice that brings to mind the great blues singers, she just doesn’t display the grittiness of singers like Janis Joplin, which is not a bad thing at all. However, the more I listened to the album I was reminded of the 1975 classic At Seventeen by the great Janis Ian. From my mental database, Levi has the most similarity to her.
Another similarity to the Dave Matthews Band is the jam quality of Seeing Blind. I could easily see them taking any one of their songs and carrying it into a ten-minute jam at a live show. I’ve never seen them live, but they will be playing at The Tractor Tavern on August 7 in support of Zepparella. This is a great opportunity to hear some feel-good music that will have you jamming in whatever mental space you are in.
P.S. – Hey Seeing Blind, have you thought about doing At Seventeen as a live cover?
July 23rd, 2009 at 7:03 pm
Jen said:
Seeing Blind is definitely a band you need to see live. You think their CD is good? Wait until you see the show. Wait until you see Melissa rocking on guitar and singing at the top of her lungs. Wait until you see Jessika in a completely different world while she plays her cello. Wait until you SEE Wes’s bass lines. Wait until you hear the solidarity that is Luke’s drumming.
I’ve been friends with this band for a few years now, and I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen them. I have introduced every single person I meet to their music. As I have told them many times, if I could see them perform live every night, I would. They are THAT good. This is a band that needs to make it. They deserve it more than anyone I’ve ever known.
You will not regret having Seeing Blind in your life.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Danielle said:
I’ve watched a lot of bands over the years come and go… this band continues to mature, producing a blend of ripe fruit along the way. Go get some while you still can locally…. this tree is bound to get real big….