March 13, 2007 World Cafe Live, Philadelphia

We headed out from Baltimore to Philadelphia at around 2 O'clock. We made surprisingly good time, arriving at the World Cafe Live! just before 4 O'clock. We parked and went in to check the line where we ran into George from Science Friction and his significant other, Tammy. We had a great time talking and hanging out with them as we waited. George and I have a lot in common including a long history of following Rush since our teens. We are both in our forties now. We chatted about how Rush had just released a brand new single on the Internet the day before this show and, of course, about Alex Lifeson playing on the new Porcupine Tree CD. George and I had a lot to talk about. We also ran into Geoff K. and Serge who were both hanging out behind closed doors with the band and crew. We chatted with them a little. The doors were supposed to open at 6pm, but the sound check ran a little over. I think there may have been some equipment troubles. A street teamer showed up and handed out some posters and postcards for the new Blackfield and PT releases to those of us waiting in line. The merchandise booth set up and I bought a BF II t-shirt. Finally, they opened the doors and let us in. We hurried down to the front of the stage to stand in front of Steven Wilson's microphone stand and gig rug. Fellow travelers Lucsam and Linda joined us at this point.


After a brief period of getting everyone in the doors, (the show did sell out) the lights dimmed and Jordan Rudess, who had help SW and Aviv on the first US Blackfield tour, came on as the opening act. And, what a show he played for us. Playing only a synthesizer with a piano sound, he started churning out these old classic, progressive rock, and it really struck a nerve with the crowd. The first set was from the first King Crimson album. Next was a set of old Genesis songs. Then a set of classic Yes. All of which were filled with a neverending flow of tickled ivory notes that surrounded the familiar melodies. The big surprise was when Jordan started playing Porcupine Tree's "Lazarus" which got the same treatment and was beautiful. Jordan, who was sporting a stylish chin beard, explained that he was using some new equipment and hadn't quite gotten all the bugs worked out. So, every once in a while, some crackling would show up in the mix. It was a little distracting, but didn't ruin the great performance.


After a brief intermission, the main act was up. The lights dimmed and Tomer Z walked out and went behind his drums and started playing the opening drum beats to "Once" over and over again. Then SW walked onstage and began to plug his guitar in. He was followed by Seffy and the new keyboard player. Steven began to play and sing and then Aviv walked onstage wearing a sharp black jacket and a Rod Stewart T-shirt as well as fabulous glitter eye make up that he had smeared around a bit on his face. He strapped on his guitar and then the band just crashed in together. But, just as the song was reaching it's peak, SW broke a guitar string on what appeared to be a brand new gold PRS guitar. There wasn't really time to switch guitars, so the rest of the band just finished the song. There wasn't much time for a pause as they went right into "Miss U" and then "Blackfield." Somewhere in there, SW got his restrung gold guitar back in time to play "Christenings."

The band continued playing songs from both the new BF album and the first one. At one point, the stage cleared out except for Aviv who played "Glow" by himself on the keyboards. Then, SW came out and joined him on guitar and sang "Thank You." Then, the rest of the band returned for the very dramatic "Epidemic." The band continued playing more selections from the second half of the new album. Whereas most of my attention is usually focused on SW or Aviv, I found that, on this night, I kept starring at Tomer Z who was incredibly tight and wonderfully dramatic in his playing style. Not since Keith Moon have I seen a drummer that has so many different facial expressions while playing. Every cymbal crash and snare beat commanded these great facial expressions that added to the intensity and feeling of the live music.


After playing most of the new record, the band said good night but returned for and encore of "Hello" and "Once" (again). And, as if breaking a string one time during this song wasn't enough, it happened again. Sometimes these little things happen they can't be helped. Because I go to so many shows, I always think that they add to the show's own uniqueness. The band closed out the night's performance with "Cloudy Now" and the audience sang the choruses. Jason and Linda took a bunch of pictures (with no flash) throughout the show. Everyone has to enjoy the show in their own way, and I always love the photographic results. That kind roadie who restrung SW's guitar gave me Seffy's set list. (Notice that "This Killer" was dropped for some reason.)



The band didn't really hang out too much after the show. SW wanted to go check out a show by the band Isis that was also playing in Philly that night. So, he and GK and Serge snuck out and away. I saw Aviv and told him that we would see him on Thursday. I wanted to talk to Tomer Z, but he seemed a bit busy with the breakdown of his drum kit. Oh well. There is always Annapolis... or New York City... or New Jersey. We hung out with our friends for a bit and chatted and then we made our exit. The one hour and forty five minute drive home was an easy one, thankfully with no traffic.

SET LIST
Once
Miss You
Blackfield
Christenings
The Hole In Me
1000 People
Pain
Glow
Thank You
Epidemic
Someday
Open Mind
My Gift Of Silence
Where Is My Love
End Of The World

ENCORE
Hello
Once (again)
Cloudy Now