Cass McCombs Plays the Doug Fir
On Thursday, December 8th,
Cass McCombs and his band played to a roomful of fans at the Doug Fir Lounge in Portland, Oregon. It’s a practical supposition that– if one were not yet a fan of his music– to see Cass play live for the first time would turn a person into one. Cass showcases a talent made obvious the moment he strums the guitar and sings a phrase and by the bands he’s played with (Source, Wikipedia: Cat Power, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Andrew Bird, Blonde Redhead, Modest Mouse, Beach House, Arcade Fire, Fiery Furnaces, The Shins, Deerhoof, The Walkmen, Thurston Moore, etc., etc.) And he plays with a band of total pros. From an unassailable rhythm section touting a drummer who makes no mistakes and manages to show sustained energy as well as control throughout an entire set, to a man on the keys who went almost unnoticed (the band sounded like a recorded album at times; in a good way) until he began improvised soloing during a crowd hit, “Dreams Come True Girl,” sounding like he could’ve fit in well in the Bitches Brew personnel. The lead and rhythm guitarist was an obvious talent in the set, but what was most surprising about the guitar work was that of McCombs himself: his leads stood out as strong and inventive, and the vocal work never suffered for it but drew nearer to its perceptible liveliness.
With a standout technical crew on hand, Cass’ quiet vocal deliveries were as intimate and appreciable as listened to on vinyl with headphones, and a supremely artful backdrop of Atari-like lights, Cass McCombs and band played a memorable show. McCombs seemed mystifying in persona, as likewise do his haunting vocals and equivocal, poetic lyrics– and this is refreshing in a time when so many performers of all different types seem to want attention drawn to themselves in lieu of what they are doing. The reticent performer scarcely said a word, save for introducing his band and to quite respectfully ask the audience to quiet the barroom chatter between and during song beginnings. Go see Cass McCombs play live if you get the chance– he may not come through your town again for some time.
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For more on Cass McCombs, visit cassmccombs.com.