Pujol || Detroit Cobras || Rocking the Casbah || San Francisco Trip

photo by Jeff Okubo

I'm telling you this 42 year father of two kids finds it harder and harder to get up to the city for a concert.  Family commitments and work commitments make it just as easy to turn on the old boob tube and watch some crappy tv.  Or better yet, just go to bed early so I can prepare for a big Saturday of Home Depot and Bed, Bath & Beyond.  Unfortunately fewer and fewer things get me motivated to get off my duff and make the commute up to San Francisco.  Pujol was one of those artists that I just couldn't miss.  And I thank you personally for coming to SF on a Friday night.  That makes my life a whole lot easier.  Oh yes, you picked a great little venue too.  The Bottom of the Hill holds great memories of many great shows.  And now add another one to the list.

Daniel Pujol is from Tennessee.  I discovered his music through a random selection of the Live series at Third Man Records.  What luck!  The raw energy in the performance made my jaw drop while the record spun on the turntable.  I immediately went out and bought his just released solo record, The United States of Being.  Great album.  And I knew from first exposure that the talent of this artist transcended out of the recording studio and into live performance; now considered a lost art among many artists and fans alike.  After many years of waiting and his second full length album release, Kludge, he booked a West Coast tour with seasoned veterans, The Detroit Cobras.

I had read that due to the fact of not being pidgeon-holed within certain bands he decided to have a rotating cast of musicians play with him, both in the recording studio and live.  I knew that it would probably be different members than I had seen in the youtube videos, however there was more than a likely chance that they would all be ripping musicians.  I was right.  They came out of the gates locked and loaded with all instruments a blazing.  The intertwining guitars and the aggressive bass all were mixed quite well for the crowd to enjoy.  Then there was a lady drummer.  I have always been a fan of women hitting the skins.  There is a certain rhythm that transcribes when they play.  Live songs from the Third Man album definitely sounded different. These tunes definitely sound good.  It became the performance.  They were tight.  The other guitarist played with a technical ferocity that confirmed to the audience know why he is in the band.  The only critique I would have is when he dove into some amazing solo territory, just a little boost and clarity to his tone would've been a lovely addition.  But I am definitely not complaining.  They did all the songs justice from my position in the crowd and they seemed affectionate and sincere with the appreciation that San Francisco bestowed upon them. 

After the show I had the opportunity to buy the bass player, Clayton, a beer.  It was the least I could do for the band considering they had no shirts to purchase (I had already pre-ordered Kludge).  He seemed appreciative of the gesture however in a way that it seemed like it was something new to him.  Innocent.  I also had the opportunity to meet Daniel and let him know how much we enjoyed their performance as well as a big "thank you" for coming west and a "please come again".

By now you can tell my main focus was on Pujol.  I had seen the Detroit Cobras before and had really enjoyed their show.  Still, after Pujol I felt I was done for the night.  Then the Cobras came on and did what they did best.  Rachel teased the crowd with a boozed up seductiveness that got people interested.  They had their routine down and it sounded good!  I had forgotten what a tight, straight up Rock & Roll band they are when they step up on that stage.  In between the puffs from the vaporizer and sucking down Moscow Mules, Rachel put it all on the front lines for the crowd to see.  Reminiscent of a wayward rock and roll era of the past, this show was a treat to see.  Unfortunately, I think that this type of performance is fading into the past as technical beats are infiltrating the minds of the future.  Go see them while you can!