Tune-Yards at Music Hall Of Williamsburg (December 4, 2014)

It wasn’t until seeing her perform at Firefly this year that I finally really “got” Tune-Yards. That’s not to say I wasn’t a fan of her music before seeing her, as I was. I really enjoyed 2011’s Whokill quite a bit. But listening to her recordings and going to see her perform live are two very different things. If you haven’t seen Tune-Yards perform live yet, you’re depriving yourself of one of the finest talents of the moment.

I was reminded of this earlier this month when I saw Merrill Garbus’ project perform the first of a four night set of sold out shows at Music Hall of Williamsburg.

Beep were the first act lined up for support. It’s the side-project of Tune-Yard’s bassist Nate Brenner and live touring member Michael Coleman (as well as Sam Ospovat on the drums). The three-piece produced unusual electronic jams that were somewhat unorthodox but found ways to be soothing an endearing. They did their job and set the tone for the rest of the evening.

Cibo Matto came next, and were a lot of fun live. The duo is fronted by New York via Japan members Yuka Honda and Miho Hatori. This year they released Hotel Valentine, their first album in 15 years. The tracks from the album were a lot of fun, and were well received by the crowd who were visibly moved by it all.

The fact that Tune-Yards played four consecutive nights at MHOW is an impressive fear for sure. But considering how consistently great that their output has been, it shouldn’t have surprised anyone. Then there’s also the fact that Merrill Garbus and her band put on a colorful live show that literally brings their music to life. With backup singers/dancers Jo Lampert and Abigail Nessen-Bengson, there’s never a dull moment on stage. They provide loose and fluid movements to go along with the always vibrant audio that the group pumps out.

From the cool chill of “Wait For A Minute,” to the more frantic natured “Water Fountain,” and the undeniable rush of the incredible “Bizness,” you’re captivated and hooked every step of the way. It’s a treat to watch Garbus on stage, making seamless loops of drum beats, vocals, hand-calps and even her ukulele. Watching her do this in person is worth the price of admission alone.

There are a lot of artists out there, but I can’t think of many that are doing what Tune-Yards are doing, which says it all.

Tune-Yards Setlist:

1. Left Behind
2. Sink-O
3. Real Thing
4. Time of Dark
5. Hey Life
6. Gangsta
7. Powa
8. Es-So
9. Wait for a Minute
10. Why Do We Dine on the Tots?
11. Stop That Man
12. Bizness
13. Water Fountain

Encore:

14. Find A New Way
15. My Country

Beep: