By Joel Francis
The Daily Record
Concert capsules are immediate, extemporaneous pieces; less a review and more a reaction.
I’ve seen Ben Folds a little more than a half-dozen times in several configurations, but last night’s show at the Uptown Theater was easily the best performance I’ve seen him give.
Opening act Tall Heights also served as part of Folds’ band (that’s them on the riser in the back). Including an acoustic guitar and cello added fresh textures to the songs and opened new avenues for instrumental interplay.
The sold-out crowd was also on point, effortlessly handling Regina Spektor’s part on “You Don’t Know Me” and nailing the three-part harmony on “Not the Same,” a Folds staple.
While nearly half of the 90-minute set drew from What Matters Most, Folds’ first album of new material in eight years, the crowd stayed engaged and enthusiastic.
For the encore, Folds returned with a solo version of “Zak and Sara,” with a little harmony help from High Trees on the last verse and chorus. This lead into two more songs from Folds’ solo debut, now more than 20 years old. A gentle “Still Fighting It” gave way to a raucous singalong on “Anne Waits.”
Keep reading:
Review: Devo (with Ben Folds and Silversun Pickups)
Social Distancing Spins – Day 45 (spotlighting a rare Ben Folds 7″, among others)
joelfrancis.com 