Truth be told, Jonathan Davis of KoRN Acoustic isnt a show I would have typically marked my calendar for. I know and like the KoRN favorites, but Ive never bought an album. I came close to seeing them in Dallas for Lollapalooza 97, but they couldnt perform due to an illness. Anyway, fast forward 10 years, and this new guy at work is begging me for the hook up to see Jonathan Davis Who!? I query. The lead singer of KoRN he exclaims condescendingly. Oh, Ill see what I can do
Turns out, the show at HOB LV was the last show of Davis stateside solo tour. Arguably acoustic, the tour features his work from The Queen of the Damned Soundtrack, KoRN rarities and favorites, and covers including Niel Diamond and Duran Duran. I say arguably acoustic, because although the band was playing amped acoustic instruments, there were a couple keyboards, laptops and effects pedals floating around. It definitely was not standard KoRN, but it wasnt quite MTV Unplugged.
Acoustic or not, the show was musically intense, and definitely showcased Davis abilities to master all types of musical genres. Infused with a distinct Middle Eastern influence and an arsenal of unique instruments, the music proved just how diversely talented he is as a songwriter and composer. The bands formal attire and the predominantly seated crowd gave the impression of a Broadway show vice, “KoRN in Vegas”, but the crowd rolled with it, hanging onto every word and note. I imagine the calm stares of mesmerized fans stood in contrast to the boiling mosh pits that Davis might normally expect. Not many artists can redefine themselves or constantly move forward as well as Davis appears to be doing. He is officially on my list of artists to pay attention to and I look forward to seeing where his music takes him next.
