| Over the Rhine
November 14, 1997 Gordon College Lane Student Center Wenham, Massachusetts By Steven Stuart Baldwin Band:
Guitarist Ric Hordinski's departure from the band is noticeable, even with the addition of three new members. His guitar-playing, at times derivative but always effective and emotionally visceral, was a signature element to the band's sound. Without him, the band walks through familiar territory with (to use their phrase) a new dress on. But even while dwelling in well-known places, Over the Rhine is breaking the ground now for the brilliance to come, with a shifted emphasis on piano and acoustic guitar. They are creating a sound that is less college-radio than their former forays, and more old-time traditional blues, rock, folk, and gospel in a harmonious wrap. This combination worked beautifully for them on Good Dog, Bad Dog and translates live effectively. Terri Templeton is an excellent addition to the band. Her harmonies with lead singer Karin Bergquist pair one angelic voice with another, proving that two angels dancing on the head of a needle are better than one. Plus, she's added welcome layers with an aptly played violin. Mike Georgin, formerly of Plough on Boy, has skillfully taken over bass duty while Linford Detweiler sits and chats and concentrates on an economy of timely-tapped keyboard notes. Brian Kelley, one of the original members, is back on drums after his brief hiatus -- a fact for which we can all be grateful. He's more than just an excellent drummer; he's the band's most outwardly mischievous member and is well-liked by the fans. Bergquist holds it all together with a new haircut and sultry vocals that soar. The set list for this concert was culled almost exclusively from their last three albums - Good Dog, Bad Dog, Darkest Night of the Year, and Besides, the bulk of which were Good Dog... songs. Regrettably, Eve and Patience were, for all intents and purposes, completely passed over. They did, however, surprise with us two new songs which show added promise for the direction the band is taking. "Little Blue River," which Linford describes as "a new tune about a place in Indiana we drive by often," is stamped with the uncompromising OtR, sticker of quality, and its catchy "roll me over" chorus will make it a concert-pleaser for years to come. The other, "Goodbye," which closed their first set, is another welcome addition worthy of inclusion on a future OtR album. Some of the other songs that comprised the main set were full of their usual enchantments. "Latter Days" was as melancholy and breath-taking as ever and was the brightest light of the evening. Detweiler commented on it as being both the happiest and saddest song they've ever done. The careful, emotional interplay between Detweiler's piano and Bergquist's vocals created the delicate tension between muted joy and realized grief. One of the few remaining numbers in their current set list that makes you want to get up and shake your booty, "A Gospel Number," possessed both guts and charm. "Thank You, My Angel," a thank-you letter from Linford to an inspiring fan, stirred the quiet crowd with its up-tempo ambiance. Detweiler's turn at the mic in "Jack's Valentine" brought smiles, as the crowd couldn't help but beam at such whimsical phrases as "pop Monet." "Poughkeepsie" emotionally captured the anguish of contemplated suicide and "It's a Wonderful Life" resolution. It was one of those coveted moments when Karin sings musically naked, bearing her soul. I've seen this band a dozen times and all the pieces that make an Over the Rhine event were in place. Yet, overall, this show did not quite measure up in energy and visceral connection to some of their past concerts. You may have to see them with a thousand other fans at Cornerstone or at the Emery Theatre in Cincinnati to experience the finest heights to which they can take you. Of course, their momentary inability to fully embrace the crowd can easily be accounted for by their arduous journey getting to Gordon College and a storm-weary crowd that failed to adequately encourage them. There is a theory that one band on their special night can be the best live band in all the world; I've been there thrice when Over the Rhine was that band. Even with this new line-up they'll be that band again, because they have the gift; they work hard at what they do; and they know the right muse, having stolen the best magic from an endless well. Thankfully for us, on one wintery night in Wenham, we were warmly invited to watch a band of the highest artistic integrity polishing a few rough edges off. I can't wait to see them again smooth as silk in the dark. Snow is not a prerequisite. Set List:
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