A.A. Bondy @ Castaways - 9.12.08
“The world is a comedy to those who think, a tragedy to those who feel.”
-Horace Walpole
A.A. Bondy used his between song banter to provide a contrast to his music and create a balance between the two sentiments in the Walpole quote above. As he told intentionally bad jokes between songs on a warm and rainy Friday night in Ithaca I was reminded of Norm MacDonald’s recent set at the Bob Saget Roast. It took a while for the crowd to catch up to Norm but once they did his plan became clear. Some samples of Norm’s performance at the roast can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gc3QZIMKqA
While on the subject of Norm, check out his genius performace on the Conan O’Brien show over a decade ago (thanks to the AV Club):
http://www.avclub.com/content/hater/how_to_have_a_memorable_talk_show
Bondy introduced the idea of non-jokes (jokes funny due to their lack of logic, punchline or expected conclusion) to the crowd and then gave a few examples to the audience. One such non-joke goes a little something like this: “What noise did the cat make when I put it in the microwave? I don’t know I was masturbating.” Bondy’s one hour set opening for The Felice Brothers at Castaways felt like half postmodern comedy routine and half traditional folk show. For those not confined to one side of Walpole’s equation Bondy’s distinct stage presence and sincere music provided a balance between the two camps.
Bondy wasted no time establishing his stage persona by announcing that he had “just eaten the last of his mescaline so things could get weird.” Further references to methamphetamine and adderall give further indication of his sense of humor. His appearance on stage, donning boots, jeans and a well worn button down shirt, reminded me of Ray Lamontagne. The resemblance also extends into the performance as both possess a soulful voice and play folk influenced tunes. In terms of demeanor, however, Bondy’s sarcasm and wit present a stark contrast to Lamontagne’s quiet and restrained stage presence. Bondy seems to have an ease about him onstage whether it is joking with the crowd, making self-deprecating comments about flubbing a chord or interacting with the headliners as they watched him perform from the wings of the stage. One member of The Felice Brothers shared his drink with Bondy between songs and another joined him on stage to provide drums to set closing Vice Rag, adding to the stomp created by Bondy’s boots and the engaged crowd.
The small size of the venue provided an ideal and intimate setting for the show. The crowd was attentive during songs and vocal in showing their appreciation during breaks. The set included a number of songs from Bondy’s excellent debut solo album American Hearts, including: How Will You Meet Your End, Rapture (Sweet Rapture), Witness Blues, Killed Myself When I Was Young and the title track. Bondy mentioned that he recorded the album in a barn last winter. He claimed that mentioning it to the “scenic little town” of Ithaca was no big deal as barns are so common but when he mentions it in places like Chicago they are quite impressed. He also played non-album tracks such as Among The Pines, Mightiest Of Guns and Oh The Vampire (which can be heard on the Daytrotter Session from last May linked below).
http://www.daytrotter.com/article/1287/aa-bondy
Though he fits into the overpopulated throng of singer-songwriter harmonica players in the tradition of Dylan, Bondy cuts his own path due to his voice, songwriting and persona. The former Verbena frontman has created a debut album full of stark, haunting and stirring songs. He has the unique ability to command an audience's attention with his voice and a guitar; no small feat and one of the purest forms of performance. No light show, no special effects, no backing band - just the songs. Look for him on tour this fall:
http://www.myspace.com/aabondy
For further insight into the mind of A.A. Bondy, check out his edition of Random Rules from last week (thanks again, AV Club, and good timing as well):
http://www.avclub.com/content/feature/random_rules_a_a_bondy
“The world is a comedy to those who think, a tragedy to those who feel.”
-Horace Walpole
A.A. Bondy used his between song banter to provide a contrast to his music and create a balance between the two sentiments in the Walpole quote above. As he told intentionally bad jokes between songs on a warm and rainy Friday night in Ithaca I was reminded of Norm MacDonald’s recent set at the Bob Saget Roast. It took a while for the crowd to catch up to Norm but once they did his plan became clear. Some samples of Norm’s performance at the roast can be seen here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Gc3QZIMKqA
While on the subject of Norm, check out his genius performace on the Conan O’Brien show over a decade ago (thanks to the AV Club):
http://www.avclub.com/content/hater/how_to_have_a_memorable_talk_show
Bondy introduced the idea of non-jokes (jokes funny due to their lack of logic, punchline or expected conclusion) to the crowd and then gave a few examples to the audience. One such non-joke goes a little something like this: “What noise did the cat make when I put it in the microwave? I don’t know I was masturbating.” Bondy’s one hour set opening for The Felice Brothers at Castaways felt like half postmodern comedy routine and half traditional folk show. For those not confined to one side of Walpole’s equation Bondy’s distinct stage presence and sincere music provided a balance between the two camps.
Bondy wasted no time establishing his stage persona by announcing that he had “just eaten the last of his mescaline so things could get weird.” Further references to methamphetamine and adderall give further indication of his sense of humor. His appearance on stage, donning boots, jeans and a well worn button down shirt, reminded me of Ray Lamontagne. The resemblance also extends into the performance as both possess a soulful voice and play folk influenced tunes. In terms of demeanor, however, Bondy’s sarcasm and wit present a stark contrast to Lamontagne’s quiet and restrained stage presence. Bondy seems to have an ease about him onstage whether it is joking with the crowd, making self-deprecating comments about flubbing a chord or interacting with the headliners as they watched him perform from the wings of the stage. One member of The Felice Brothers shared his drink with Bondy between songs and another joined him on stage to provide drums to set closing Vice Rag, adding to the stomp created by Bondy’s boots and the engaged crowd.
The small size of the venue provided an ideal and intimate setting for the show. The crowd was attentive during songs and vocal in showing their appreciation during breaks. The set included a number of songs from Bondy’s excellent debut solo album American Hearts, including: How Will You Meet Your End, Rapture (Sweet Rapture), Witness Blues, Killed Myself When I Was Young and the title track. Bondy mentioned that he recorded the album in a barn last winter. He claimed that mentioning it to the “scenic little town” of Ithaca was no big deal as barns are so common but when he mentions it in places like Chicago they are quite impressed. He also played non-album tracks such as Among The Pines, Mightiest Of Guns and Oh The Vampire (which can be heard on the Daytrotter Session from last May linked below).
http://www.daytrotter.com/article/1287/aa-bondy
Though he fits into the overpopulated throng of singer-songwriter harmonica players in the tradition of Dylan, Bondy cuts his own path due to his voice, songwriting and persona. The former Verbena frontman has created a debut album full of stark, haunting and stirring songs. He has the unique ability to command an audience's attention with his voice and a guitar; no small feat and one of the purest forms of performance. No light show, no special effects, no backing band - just the songs. Look for him on tour this fall:
http://www.myspace.com/aabondy
For further insight into the mind of A.A. Bondy, check out his edition of Random Rules from last week (thanks again, AV Club, and good timing as well):
http://www.avclub.com/content/feature/random_rules_a_a_bondy
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