Low Stars
- Tim Seely -
Sunset Tavern | Seattle, WA | Feb. 7, 2007

 
"if you don't know who we are...well that's too...that's interesting" -- Jude

My brother and I arrived at the Sunset Tavern to see the wonderful quartet also known as the Low Stars (or a handful of other names throughout the years). Walking through the door at 9pm things didn't start right off the bat so we settled into the bar. I had ordered my tickets online, but unfortunately they had no records in their system that any tickets were bought through that method. At least I brought my proof with me, and would've bought tickets again anyways if it came to it. They were only 5 bucks anyhow. Quite a steal and it made me feel a bit guilty. Some of the best things in life are free...or close to it. 

I thought I recognized a few familiar faces from the local radio show KMTT The Mountain roaming about the small venue which was converted from a Chinese restaurant. Also figured some Starbucks people would be there.

Across the bar shortly after Tim Seely's set started (not bad stuff at all, complimented the Low Star's music pretty well. Although there was some moments of painful distorted sounds, but it's not his fault). From across the bar I saw Jeff Russo (of Tonic) I left and came back to see him with Jude. I kept glancing at them from the corner of my eye since it seems as if everyone was leaning over me (including Chris Seefried) to order their drinks so I couldn't really see the stage. I almost ended up in my brother's lap. Wouldn't that be awkward. 

I was too nervous to approach the guys and hate it when people talk during performances so I just stayed where I was. Then I noticed Jude waving over in my direction and I waved back. A bit startling, and afterwards quickly looked around me because that would be embarrassing if it were to someone else instead.

While waiting for the Low Stars to set up I found a new place by the wall. Now I can't really do my traditional song break down and review since the only songs I've heard were via myspace (although iTunes had been tempting me, but I want to wait for the cd first) so slyly I took the only setlist - which was Jude's. Which seems to have been written on the back of Tim's setlist. How nice. Saving a tree. Well, anyways there's the setlist below...

I have to say I really like "Corner." "Teacher" has Jude up on the lead vocals and it does sound like one of his songs (high falsetto included!)...with a slight twist. They did the Neil Young song in which Dave Gibbs (Gigolo Aunts) lead off called "Out On The Weekend." I can't remember, but I think Jude was actually playing the harmonica. Which is something new to me.

Jude threw in some banter about the weather, Seahawks, the weather's effect on his hair and how it creates this thorny bee hive look.
 
"Child" sounded just as great as you might have heard. Joe the bartender came out to give Jude his drink prior to "Love Love Love." There's a nice clip of that here for you as well as the group doing "Love." Which I wonder and forgot to ask if it was possibly re-recorded for the Low Stars release. 

[alcoholic banter] (please right click "save target as")
[love, love, love - live] (please right click "save target as")

One of the highlights of the night for me...musically was to hear "Can't Live" which Jeff wrote and sang on the lead vocals. 

"Calling All Friends" was saved for the end of the night. There was this great guitar interlude and impromptu rhythm section. For an encore the guys did "Rain." Which was a great way to end the night. Sad though that some people had to leave in the middle of their set. It was a weeknight after all.

"Hi Chris" "Hi Dave" "Hi - " wait...missing one. Jude went off somewhere so I started talking to Chris a bit. Your typical post show chatter. Then Dave. Then I finally saw Jeff. Who I felt like I talked a long time with without any real hesitation. I've actually been a fan of his band Tonic even before Jude. Was there such a time? LOL. We talked about Tonic a bit and I don't know if I seemed a bit too music geeky recalling all the times I could've seen him, his band mate, etc. I mistakenly brought in the word "break up" which isn't something I wanted to put into their mouths, but he tried to clear up the situation as best as he could. I knew they weren't broken up and even if they were I'd be in serious denial. He went over the concept of the Low Stars and how music fans such as myself were the product of that.

He talked about how crazy his iPod was and how he spent 3 weeks loading 3,600 cds on there. I only have 600+ with a long way to go. Jeff said he started collecting records since 1988 (don't ask why I remember such silly statistics) and how he was old. No. He seems very much the same since I saw him on VH1 nearly a decade ago.

I was looking at my brother's camera waiting around for Jude to clear up his guitar from the stage and the next thing I knew he was coming towards us asking if we were taking pictures of him. "No" which was the truth. Then I snapped a photo of my brother with Jude...cause well...I like seeing two of my favorite people together. I handed the camera back to my brother so I could get Jude to sign my sad little wet setlist when he pointed the camera at us. Karmen + bright lights = disaster. Anyways, with another hug goodbye Jude went to the bar and we went out the door into the typical Seattle rain.

Hoping to see the guys again sometime soon, and I'm forever grateful that they we able to make an appearance outside of the LA area. Wishing them the best in this musical project.

Low Stars's self-titled cd out on February 15, 2007!

karmen@rock247music.com