Johnathan Rice Played Bowery Ballroom

Last Monday I had the pleasure of seeing one of my favorite under the radar singer-songwriters. Johnathan Rice, who I caught twice in 2007, opened for Matt Costa to a very under appreciative crowd. Though I went for Rice, I thought I'd use the night to listen to the tunes of Mr. Costa, who I've very rarely listened to in the past. Unfortunately, the same crowd and Costa's somewhat shallow teeny-bopper music ultimately nudged me out the door about 5 songs in.

But the gem from the night was definitely Johnathan. While his set was much to short (7ish songs), it was spot on. It was the first time I'd seen him perform without a band, which was nice - you could really hear the genius in his stripped down production. I've always been fond of Rice for his lyricism, and the fact that he writes such great music is just a bonus. His on stage demeanor is also a reason to love his live performance - his quasi-confused state and descriptive story-telling make the non-musical moments even worth paying attention to. Unfortunately for that night, the audience wasn't paying much attention. I guess that's what happens when you open for a guy that only attracts 18 year-old girls to his shows.

[Well, I guess they weren't all 18: the biggest distraction for everyone on the night (including, most predominately, Costa) was an employee of Relix Magazine. She was probably 27 or so. I don't usually call out specific people, but she was so loud and so obnoxious I feel I have no choice. She interrupted on stage conversations, kept yelling at Matt to enjoy his whiskey, which she had given him, which she announced about 15 times was Jameson. It was clear she just wanted to get hammered and hit on a rock star. Seriously, lady, get yourself laid, but don't distract the rest of us.]

While Rice did get us to join in during "We're All Stuck Out In The Desert," it was clear nobody in the audience knew the lyrics, save a select few. It's just gotta be a bit disheartening for him, that's all. Anyway, Rice did play a few of my favorites: "Further North," "It Couldn't Be Me" (accompanied by his usual story), and "I Wouldn't Miss It For The World," the only song off of his breathtaking debut album, Trouble Is Real. I keep going to these shows hoping he'll play more off of that record, but it doesn't happen. I guess I'll just have to wait and hope for a "Johnathan Rice plays Trouble is Real" concert. I think he should do it. Seriously, Johnathan, do it. At Mercury Lounge, or Southpaw.

More photos from the night here.

[mp3] Johnathan Rice - "I Wouldn't Miss It For The World" (Trouble is Real)

[mp3] Johnathan Rice - "Further North" (Further North)