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Written by LAUREN BOUKAS / Photos by BARRY BRECHEISEN*
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Sunday, 14 January 2007 |
Since Sister Hazel is one of my all time favorite bands and I had never seen them play live before, I was very excited to see them play at the House of Blues -- my favorite Chicago venue. Yet the show left a lot to be desired. First, and most detrimental to my good time were the lights show. The obnoxious, dance club-esque lights did not mesh well with the happy-go-lucky Sister Hazel vibe.
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Sister Hazel
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 Entertainment
 Art
House of Blues
Chicago, Ill.
December 29, 2006
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Perhaps it was just where I was standing, but nearly every 30 seconds I was nearly blinded by a harsh white light, pointed directly in my eyes, to the point where I couldn’t even see the band or a foot in front of me. Needless to say, it was difficult for me to concentrate – or even enjoy – the concert. Add to it that it seemed like I was in a bar listening to a Sister Hazel CD, for not only did the band sound exactly – to a T – the same as on the CDs, they didn’t do too much to make the show memorable or to engage the audience. During the band’s signature radio hits, it seemed like they were just going through the motions. It was clear on their faces that they were thinking, “Am I seriously playing this song AGAIN?”
Call me overly critical, but when I go to a show, especially at a venue as open, intimate and lively as the House of Blues, I expect to be entertained. I expect to want to jump around, dance like an idiot, sing along and engage in various forms of debauchery. I think someone’s grandma would have thoroughly enjoyed herself at this particular show. It was mellow, and sadly I’m not sure I’ll take the time or effort into seeing Sister Hazel again. Mellow has its place and I can enjoy that as much as the next person, but there is a stark difference between expecting a lively performance and getting a chill, boring show.
The music itself was fantastic -- no question there. The new music from Absolutely is awesome, especially current hit "Mandolin Moon" but it sounds so much like their old stuff that it was hard to differentiate the old from the new. All in all, a descent time was had, but not at all the energy I have come to expect from a night of live music.
*Photos from the 01/11/03 House of Blues performance. Powered by AkoComment 2.0! |
