AMAZING as ALWAYS!!
by ShiraD on 9/17/09Webster Hall - New YorkBottom line - Ingrid Michaelson and her band of players (Allie Moss, Bess Rogers, Elliot Jacobson, Chris Kuffner, and recently, producer Dan Romer accompanies the group) are by far my favorite musical act these days. I've caught every New York show for the last four years or so - including intimate settings such as The Living Room on the LES and the Stand Up For A Cure concert at Madison Square Garden - and Ingrid never ceases to impress and entertain me. Though her lyrics can range from bubbly to heartbreaking, they're typically still upbeat and always, always gorgeously melodic. Her voice is original and charming. And it doesn't hurt that every person on stage is incredibly talented in their own right, singing backup vocals and contributing on multiple instruments that you don't see everyday. Last night, for example, I saw a banjo and even an accordion! When Romer walked on stage with the old-school music box, Ingrid assured the crowd, "Don't worry ladies. It gets bigger... What? I meant his accordian!" It was a perfect example of the hilarity and banter that true Ingrid fans have become accustomed to. Later in the show, Ingrid debuted her Ode to Mexican food to the New York audience, set to the tune of her new song, "Maybe." It was hysterically funny, and, dare I say, I even hope she releases it on a future album as a bonus track! In my opinion, the best part of this band is that they truly are great friends who thoroughly enjoy each other's company and appreciate each other's talents. Seeing one of their shows is almost like spying on one of their private jam sessions, like you're catching them hanging out on the tour bus, just being themselves. Stories are swapped, jokes are told, anecdotes are shared, all with some beautiful music thrown into the mix. I'd highly, highly reccomend attending an Ingrid Michaelson concert. I've already bought my tickets for her annual Holiday Hop in December and I absolutely cannot wait to see them perform again!