Non-Comm: Two Days Celebrating Non-Commercial Radio

Day 2

Cyndi Lauper

The idea of seeing Cyndi Lauper perform live made my inner 8 year old squee and due to a little reconfiguration of the night’s schedule I didn’t have to wait long to see Ms Lauper perform. Fronting a band of old session players that have accompanied some of the greatest soul and blues musicians she stuck primarily to material off of her new album Memphis Blues. While her stage banter was a little abrupt her voice was in top shape as she gave the appropriate swagger to the soulful set. The fellas she was fortunate to have in her band really gave the music it’s genuine richness. Lauper has maintained her voice and is smart to let it cover new territory, it would rather depressing to hear her still trying to crank out peppy pop. Instead, finding a new comfort zone allowed her to work through the material with ease. It was a great kick off for the night.

John Legend & The Roots

John Legend and The Roots were up next downstairs on the main stage. Playing together in support of their cover song LP – due out later this summer- the combo was a match made in funky heaven. The set opened with Legend leading the charge through a few smooth jams. He was in fine form as he worked the crowd with his flawless voice the addition of the Roots gave the music a little funkier flavor.  Once Legend took his place at the keys the music began to acquire more of the hip-hop vibe the Roots are so well know for. MC Black Thought volleyed with Legend for the remainder of the set creating a well balanced mix of soul and rap. Captain Kirk Douglas stepped up for some killer solos that was truly the icing on the cake. It was a fully satisfying experience watching these masters of their trade join forces in the name of really good music.

[MP3] Hurts So Bad (live)

Nathaniel Rateliff & The Wheel

Denver’s Nathaniel Rateliff and his band The Wheels definitely get the award for best vocal harmonies of the night. The indie folk foursome were far more lush live than I was expecting. Rateliff’s voice definitely leads the pack but the addition of some stellar stand up bass and guitar playing gave the arrangements a vibrancy not fully achieved in their recorded work. The real magic of the group’s dynamic though is the harmonies they were able to hit with amazing resonance. The music isn’t particularly fancy but like a simple chocolate cake made with the best ingredients the final product is incredibly delicious.

[MP3] Laughing (Daytrotter Session)

Mayer Hawthorne

It was back downstairs to see Mayer Hawthore and his dapper crew do a quick set of neo-motown tunes. Hawthorne’s finely tuned retro production included all the essential elements; on point horns, moseying bass, chuggin percussion and a whole lot of stage presence. His steady vocals and dedication to an authentic Detroit sound got a little boost from some hip-hop elements -including a partial cover of Biz Markie’s “Just A Friend”-  which seem to be Hawthorne’s desired trademark. Even in the short amount of time Hawthorne was on stage he was able to wrap the crowd up in his production.

The Mynabirds

I have already made my love of The Mynabirds known but Friday night it was finally realized when I got to see them as the last act on my agenda for the night. Laura Burhenn’s vocal dexterity was pausing as she smoldered through her bluesier tracks and soared through her poppier bits. The lady has pipes the likes of which haven’t been given warrant to really roam free since the days of Dusty Springfield. She has assembled a band that knows how they fit in the overall sound. Never once was there an over eager guitar or pushy drum, Burhenn’s voice was at the core for the entire set. Even her own piano playing seemed to respect distance her vocals required. The two wonderful backup singers flowed in and out of the songs seamlessly and managed to give the delivery an extra sparkle. The 30-ish minute set wasn’t nearly long enough to get a full Mynabirds fix but, it’ll have to do for now.

[MP3] Numbers Don’t Lie

On the whole Non-Comm’s evening events were a tightly run ship – sets were never more than 10 minutes behind and the production on both stages were fantastic. I hope next year I can take work off to give the full conference my total attention as I am a firm supporter of non-commercial radio and would love to hear what the sessions covered. But, for my first year I was thoroughly impressed by the line up and the overall positive vibe of the event.