Sometimes I think, “Gee, I have some talented friends.” (You probably do too.) One of mine is Kate Piersonand last night, she performed her show as a solo artist with a great new band for her brand new album, “Guitars and Microphones“. All her friends showed up to cheer her on and everyone went into a frenzy when the legendary Debbie Harrycame out for the encore of “Roam“. Another famous friend of Kate’s, Sia, wrote 4 songs for the new album, my favorite being “Crush Me With Your Love“. (and if there’s any justice in the world it’ll be a hit, too!) Kate’s been performing with the same group for decades now (you might have heard of them? –the B-52s?) and I’ve seen countless fabulous shows of theirs over the years. But as I told Kate after the show, it was really fun to hear new songs, but also to see her finding her way with new material, as the one in charge. But, this gal could literally sing, “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” and knock your socks off. That voice, one of the MOST distinctive in pop music, really sounds better than ever. She introduced one song like this:
“This next song has caused a bit of controversy… ‘Mister Sister‘. This song is really about my friend, Tangella. Tange… Tange performed at Wigstock and all over town for years, but at one point she got sober and moved back home. I called her, not knowing she was living her parents, and her mother answered the phone and I said, ‘Is Tange there… is she in?’ and her mother said, ‘My son is NOT a woman!’ Anyway, Tangella’s doing great now…”
Maybe that doesn’t explain it for you, but I posted my feelings about it when it happened. I really hope it doesn’t follow her around, because Kate is the kindest most inclusive person and she and her partner Monica Coleman, are both part of the LGBTQ community, as well as outspoken advocates. Sia wrote that song as well, by the way and Fred Armisen was in the video along with my old pal Kachin Bowne and they were both at the show last night, along with tons of old friends. I can’t say enough good things about “Guitars and Microphones” and this new artist branching out. But don’t take my word for it, have a listen, or better yet, buy it here. I went to buy mine last night, but the keeper of the CDs at the City Winery had already packed them up. Yeah, I know – CDs. Cute, huh?
