Tom Vek was in town to ring in the holiday season with his final show of 2005 on a beautiful “Southern California 75 and Sunny Afternoon” Thanksgiving Eve.
From the time the stage was set on this night I knew we’d be in for a special evening. With a nearly sold-out crowd on hand (Thanksgiving Eve: many non-natives skip town to be with family) Tom Vek quietly made his way to the stage to make the final adjustments on the drum setup that was so near to the front of the stage it very apparent that most of his night would spent behind the kit holding down the beat. And this he did with every bit the fineness of a seasoned day-to-day player, all the while keeping the vocals floating along right on cue. From the opener (which if my memory serves me was “CC”, as I am writing this several days post show without notes) Tom and his band knocked out tune after tune like grandma serves up her special pumpkin pie after the wonderful feast she’s just delighted you to. “One Horse Race” was just that slice for me. Everything fell right into place. For “Cover” and “That Can Be Arranged” (again the memory, but certainly “Cover”), Tom took to the front of the stage for a bit of the old guitar playing. My friend Kelly pointed out that it was a watch that he pulled from his back pocket and played what I had thought was slide with delicate agility. With this he returned to the drums for a few more and to close out the nights’ set with “I Ain’t Sayin’ My Goodbyes” with the same sense as the last time I heard him play this one only two months previous (to the day in fact) at the Echo, and that being that he’ll return. When he does keep your eyes and ears peeled so as not to miss a thing, because if the past is any indication Tom Vek will surely bring a surprise or two. It may not be grandmas pumpkin pie, but I’m sure it will be tasty just the same.
Show openers the Willowz blazed through their tunes in grand style to set the night out just right.
Tom thanks again for the fantastic evening of music and smiles. Looking forward to the next set.
Peace.
