Ben Folds
Ben Folds with Rufus Wainwright
August 5, 2005 @ Bank of America Pavilion
Although
nursing a cold, Ben Folds played in front a packed house at the Bank of
America Pavilion by Boston’s recently developed seaport. He electrified
the crowd as he strutted on stage to the overture from Jesus Christ
Superstar. Folds can sometimes seem insecure in his pasty, gawky frame,
but thrives in a live venue. He started out with “Bastard” from his
latest EP, Songs for Silverman. Fans sat down reluctantly during the
slower tempo songs, urging Folds to play his earlier more rockin’
pieces. The highlight of the set was during “One Angry Dwarf,” when his
fingers danced like Astaire over the keys. At the end of the song, he
bounced his stool off the piano, banging out the last refrain as the
stool rolled off the stage. His rap ballad nod to Dr. Dre lightened the
mood when the crowd chanted in unison, “Bitches can’t hang in the
street.” At the end of the set, he conducted the crowd to sing three
part harmony and his musical fans loved it. Ben Folds walked off stage
to boisterous ovation like he was Arthur Fiedler, and was probably
already on a flight to his next summer tour date in Atlantic City when
the cheering came to an end.
After a long intermission with a poor selection of refreshments, the
show’s second set featured only Rufus Wainwright, who played hypnotic
melodies on piano and acoustic guitar. Wainwright’s harmony with his
sister sounded great during “Halleluiah.” “Memphis Skyline” and “Waiting
for a Dream” also were a treat to hear live. Although he switched easily
between each instrument, his music did grow a little tiresome before
night’s end. The somewhat whiney lyrics accompanied with a southern
drawl seemed out of place in a large outdoor venue. Fans who wanted to
dance after the Ben Folds set, instead were coddled to sleep by
Wainwright’s sentimental lyrics. The music did not pair well with Folds’
opening set and seemed more suited for a smoky jazz club or intimate
piano bar.
These two artists carry themselves like heavy metal rockers, but their
softer cores spur soulful lyrics. Wainwright’s instrumental talent,
boyish good looks and quirky humor seemed no match for the bipolar
musical genius of the Folds. It is refreshing to go to a concert where
performers revel in improvisation. Musicians sometimes focus intently on
their art as if they were in a recording studio rather than rocking the
crowd. Although Ben Folds one hour set catered to sell his new album, he
unleashes the monster within the piano to both new and old fans. While
most listeners view the piano as a delicate and civil instrument, Ben
Folds’ craft illuminates the gritty side of the piano. He keeps his
audience engaged by striking a stark balance between beautiful harmonies
and chaotic freestyle solos. This is likely why he continues to sell out
each show even with mediocre album sales.
- Pratik R. Patel
© 2005 Pratik R. Patel
|