Turbine at Stain (Brooklyn, NY)

7/12/08 Initially, the idea of this show was thought to be a classic Turbine show, reminiscent of the time when Turbine was a duo shared between Jeremy Hillard and Ryan Rightmire. This changed as Eric Johnson fulfilled his percussion duties and Justin Kimmel cruised in with his bass. The show was set to start at 10:30 p.m. in Brooklyn, N.Y., just one block from the Grand Street stop off of the hipster clad "L" train but truth be told no hipsters attended, even though I looked like one. Stain, a friendly wine-o bar which is known for their love of art, Sangria carafes and sizeable smoking patio, reminds you of a place where back in the day one would have seen Neil Young grace the small stage for a low key acoustic set. While such performances happen often, Saturday night was an exception; and an exceptional one at that. As I rushed from Union Square to make the show, I was hoping that the duo hadn't begun on time because I would have missed more than an hour of grooving. I was lucky in that they hadn't and I had only missed two-ish songs. While I was totally there for the music, I was starving and couldn't resist devouring the kick-ass BBQ out on the smoking patio. The Weber Kettle was perfectly roasting an array of meats that came on everything from bones to skewers. All were delicious, you can even ask Willoughby, she knows. Ok, so we get it, the food was scrumptious. Now onto the music. The night was more of a free base jam session with the crowd and band requesting songs alike. Audience participation was highly encouraged as there were an array of sit-ins from the Turbine family. The show began after a Bessie Smith (the Band) sound check. Set one started with Wintertime, even though we are in the midst of summer, followed by Running Late, which is ironically when I arrived. Sweet Blue Eyed Darlin' (Bill Monroe) came next with Jack A Roe (Traditional), Devils and Angels and Masterpiece (Bob Dylan) all three with "Nice Guy Mike" on Bass. Masterpiece sampled Jeremy (lead guitar, vocals) on piano and segued into Willoughby the Lazy Dog jam which honored the friendly pooch and her infamous need for belly rubs. Set break followed with Banjo and Mike entertaining the crowd. Set two welcomed Justin Kimmel back to his Bass duties and kicked off the late night set with Set Me Free into Fla Naba jam, a bonnafied crowd pleaser and by far the highlight of my night. This song was specifically written "for the neighbors" early one morning not too far from the venue. Initially, this song was the gut of a late-night, roof-top jam that took place after an evening at the Donegal last March. Four months later it's heyday arrived and it formed into the epitome of outerspaceness. It was the first time the song had been played in it's entirety with the full band. The hook of the song, a crazy repetitious "this is for fla naba", continually looped; popping in and out of jams and well, the rest of the show for that matter. Fla Naba then returned to Set Me Free. The lucky few who stayed until nearly 4 a.m. were delighted to hear for the first time The Start of Something New and Ready, Willing to close. This show was performed in classic acoustic fashion, with a little twist of Turbine spunk. As far as this band is concerned, acoustic is neither slow nor boring. Special Thanks to: Turbine, Stain, Weber Kettle and Nice Guy Mike, that last drop in the bottle in the bag on the table, MuleMan, Eric and Justin for coming too, not my foot for kicking over 219,308,290 drinks, the tolerant bartender, Willoughby's dirt stash, the FANS, music and great times! Willoughby would like to thank: Teresa's lap. Love, Jess