Strings Attached presented the Complete Beatles White Album in Concert May 19, 2006

See some great pics from the show at our myspace page:
myspace.com/stringsattached

About two dozen Austin area musicians gathered together at the University Baptist Church to perform the Beatles White Album in concert with Will Taylor and the String Attached Ensemble on May 19th. The atmosphere was fun loving and casual and because this is Austin, plenty of church jokes were made (by far my fave: "Hey, that baptismal tank sure would hold a lot ice and beer!"). Every demographic seemed to be there which makes sense when you think about it.... even if you've been living under a rock all your life, you'd probably recognize at least one song off of that album.

The artists performed two sold out shows that night-- 7:30 and 10:00 pm. I attended the later one that ended well past midnight. Couple observations:
1) the crowd never thinned out
2) when you're having a great time, church pews aren't that uncomfortable

Even through my stopped up ears (I've had this awful head cold for the past few days) the music sounded great and allergy season didn't seem to stop anyone--not even the artists. A couple of performers had colds, allergies or weary chops. Even so, what impressed me was that the show went on with last minute subs and basically without any major hitches. For instance, Shel Murray filled in for her grandpa Jimmie Dale Gilmore and pumped out a soulful version of "Dear Prudence." Strings Attached was determined to present the White Album in its entirety and boy did they do so-- down to the funky interludes. How the heck did they notate the song "Revolution 9," I wonder?

By far the group I was most looking forward to was Schroedinger's Cat represented that night by Jackson Blacklock and John Pointer. They did not disappoint at all with their version of "Obla di Obla da" and meshed well with the other musicians. They looked great and managed to get ample crowd participation as usual. However, the performer that captivated me the most was Abra Moore and her delicate interpretation of "Blackbird" (for the record, that is my favorite song off of the album). Gary Clark Jr. belted out a sultry "While My Guitar Weeps" and boy, can that man make his guitar sing. I'll admit to swooning a little when he was on stage. Of course, Libby Kirkpatrick was in fine bubbly form with her two contributions "Martha my Dear" and "Julia." Other highlights included a zany "The Continuing Story of Buffalo Bill" by the group White Ghost Shivers and a crowd roaring version of "Revolution 1" performed to perfection by the lovely Carolyn Wonderland. People were dancing behind the pews where I sat on the balcony for that one. All in all, fantastic first-rate performers and they all seemed to have as much of a blast as the audience members. - cindy adzuki

- - - - -
Manifesting music for 20+ years

I first heard Will Taylor play his electric blue viola sometime in the eighties. When he first graduated with a music degree in 1988, we discussed how one could pursue art as a business. How to do what you love and eat well too. We ran into each other in a coffee shop three years later, and we discussed my ideal environment for music. It would start before 11PM. The venue would be more like a concert hall than a low-slung hole in the wall. Listening would be the main goal, not liquor sales.

I've watched his career with great interest ever since then. Tonight, I saw the culmination of all these years.

Beautiful high ceilings, with a trippy kaleidoscopic light show. A packed audience sitting in the pews of a large downtown church. A team of 20+ musicians collaborating to play the Beatles White Album, straight through. It was wonderful. Carolyn Wonderland singing You say you want a revolution, right now, you know, we all want to change the world. Yes. We can dream our perfect life into being. Thank you, Will Taylor and Strings Attached, for manifesting the revolution.
- Kate Arrowsmith

Audience Comments:
Comments i've received:

. . . you all put on a very incredible show! I can't wait to see and tell of your other collaborations. Good work.

Cheers
Rebecca, KOOP 91.7

Will,

As long as my back holds out, it will always be a pleasure to help you on these projects.

Hell of a show. Wish I was a singer - or a musician - so I could be part of the show.

My soul was on the stage with y'all. - Mike S.

I'm someone who actually saw the Beatles live. It was at the Astrodome
in
Houston in the mid 1960's. Mainly, I remember I could hardly hear the
music
because of so many screaming girls. Your show was truly special
because I'm
a fan of all the artists who performed. However I'd have to say that
for me
Carolyn Wonderland really brought the house down. The whole show was
something I'll always remember. Thank you. Diana P.

This is one of those quintessential Austin nights, magical! I can't
wait for the
next concert!!!!

Will and SA, it was absolutely fabulous. One of the most
energetic and magical shows that I've ever been to. How you managed to
squeeze in all those musicians/singers and have the quality of performance
that you did is a testament to all who contributed! Thanks so much for
a very memorable evening -- what a great way to close out your
season! :) Gale C.

Hey Will,
Just wanted to tell you that you really nailed it
last week. What a night!!! You have much to be proud
of. I pulled out the "real" White Album the other, it
had been too long since I'd listened to it.
See you soon!
Rush

Absolutely loved it! I went to see Gary Clark Jr. but was thrilled to be introduced to many other artist. Seela’s performance was too great to put into words. Thank you so much for the fabulous performance. I will always remember where I was on my 16th Anniversary and that amazing performance. Janeen

Hey Will,
I just wanted to congratulate you on the White album gig!
Great job and what a big sucess! Tom and his brother went and really enjoyed it.
You are doing really great things for the Austin music scene. I know it is a ton of work, but you are a real role model for up and coming musicians.
Keep up the great work.
Musically yours,
Daris H.

BTW, congrats on building a critically and popularly acclaimed musical experience over the last few years. If I ever move back to Austin I hope to make Strings Attached performances a regular part of my musical landscape.

Best,

Jonathan

Will,

Hi... That was truly a memorable concert ! And I've seen lots during
my 55 years.
Even the Beatles never tried to play that album live... What an
amazing feat !

Now, and I know you're tired... what about Sgt. Pepper's ? You'd have
a sell out again
for sure.

Regards, Chuck

Hey Will….

Nancy here.

First of all, I want to tell you how much I enjoyed the White Album performance. As a geezer….I actually saw the Beatles in my youth and have loved them the moment that I heard them.


i thought Gary, Carolyn, Tony, Billy, Joe, Bob, Abra, White Ghosts and
the backup gals were highlights for me. You and the band's arrangements
and flow were unbelievavble. Just a great great night.

Jody D


Will,


The concert was wonderful! An absolute joy! The talent of this community is incredible.

Pure gift!

Thank you. Erin C

Hi Will.

I've received your email notices the last year or two - but this last Friday's performance (early show) of the white album was the first I've attended (also took husband along...).

I'm 52 years old, and this was certainly nostalgic for me, with such a cool twist! Saw several people perform that I wasn't familiar with - and now hope to see again.

Was really a great show! A totally enjoyable evening! Thank you so much for adding this to Austin's musical landscape!

Deborah D

Heard No Strings' White Album concert on the radio last night. I was totally blown away. Congratulations -Mark


The concert was really well done, as usual for Will & SA. It was an enormous undertaking.