Ten days into a New Year and I was certain that my resolution to venture out to different parts of Brooklyn during the winter months would be difficult to keep. One thing I was certain of was that the music of Great Lake Swimmers could burrow me out of the deepest hibernation. On a sub-zero Friday night I found myself deep in the heart of the Gowanus area of Brooklyn at The Bell House, the third music venue of co-owners Jim Carden and Jack McFadden. I was transported to a 1920s era warehouse transformed into a charming and professional music hall that manages to combine spacious wooden ceilings with intimate lighting.
The stage at the center of it all commands attention and all eyes were on leading front man, Tony Dekker, as he wielded his magic over the audience with the opener “Put There By the Land” from the album Ongiara. The fourteen song set never wavered from the tight, melodic sound that is a trademark of Great Lake Swimmers. Dekkers angelic voice blended beautifully with keyboardist and backing vocalist, Julie Fader. As the band continued to seamlessly move through their set, Dekker appeased the thirsty fans by weaving in new songs from the forthcoming March 2009 album, Lost Channels. One in particular, “She Comes to Me In Dreams”, demonstrated the tight transitions and the obvious positive chemistry between these Canadian bandmates. One can become absorbed by the passionate sound of Erik Arnesons electric harmonium as he moves smoothly into sounds that wrap themselves around Dekkers voice and carry the listener to a warm, melancholic place. Greg Millsons drums and Darcy Yates bass are a welcome addition to this ever-evolving band.
Dekker softly reminded us to, Stop, Listen and Feel, during the closing song “There is a Light”. It is hard to imagine not doing all three when experiencing their sound. The band returned for a short encore followed by several solo songs by Dekker. I left the show wanting more and yet feeling fulfilled and eager to hear them again. Over and over.
