Chapter closes for Over
the Rhine on their Darkest Night
Cincinnati's gothic, cavernous Emery Theatre was filled with an air of joyous anticipation for Over the Rhine's solstice concert, entitled Darkest Night of the Year. A gray-haired gentleman in polyester who played carols under bubble lights on an enormous Wurlitzer pipe organ was followed by a warm-up from talented up-and-coming guitarist Peter Mulvey. Then it was OTR's turn as they loaded onto the stage to the bassy echoes of "The First Noel." From there they closed the present chapter of their history in a delicious, three-part feast. OTR's concerts are more like experiences. Each is a total approach in music making, a delight for all senses. With rugs, lamps and candles, they create the ethereal in a living room diversion. This evening's only difference was the news of their disjoining. After seven years, conjectures of OTR bystanders have been confirmed, and this was their final show as a band. The concert began with Linford Detweiler's (songwriter, electric bass and keyboard) pensive piano on Latter Days, one of the many selections from the OTR's Summer '96 independent release, Good Dog Bad Dog, the Home Recordings. Each band member reflected his or her array of talents as the group took "Faithfully Dangerous" from an enticing blues/funk guitar/vocal call-and-refrain improv to mellow, moody, cool jazz. The song "All I Need is Everything" introduced background singer Terry Templeton, whose soprano complemented vocalist Karin Berquist's breathy, earthiness with striking ambiance. Closing this segment was the effusing "Poughkeepsie," which Berquist divulged as being somewhat inspired by the holiday favorite, It's A Wonderful Life. The next part of the evening pared OTR down to newlyweds Berquist and Detweiler, but they were joined by Templeton, Scottish guitarist Jack Henderson, acoustic bassist Chris Dahlgren, and departing drummer Brian Kelley. What followed preluded the quartet's newest and self-admitted Christmas release, Darkest Night of the Year, with the dreamy unconsciousness of a child on Christmas Eve. Each carol was performed with angelic lushness and included Berquist's narration of "The Oxen" which brought reminiscences of the quartet's holiday concerts as struggling musicians. One of the shining stars of the evening was the Berquist composition, "Mary's Waltz;" her voice created the brilliant imagery of vision through a blind girl's eyes. The selections that followed were filled with back pew intensity and haunting lament to which Kelley added a rich, sophisticated backbone. The final portion of the evening blazed like every lit candle of the past, beginning with the innocence of the first song ever played by the band, "Eyes Wide Open." Throughout the evening departing guitarist Ric Hordinski played a more subdued role, yet made up for his measure with skill and agility. The selections that followed included the voyaging "See & Sky," shadowy "Iron Curtain," playful and driving "Fly/Dance," and a conga line to complement "Happy with Myself." After the swirling guttural rhythms of "Daddy Untwisted" and the beckoning "Walking Across Your Heart," the four old friends sent themselves and fans off with the hope filled, "Painted My Name." Although OTR's parting brought bittersweet news to this annual event, outlooks for the future are positive. Hordinski and Kelley have been performing under the name Monk and are planning a tour for Spring '97. Detweiler and Berquist are currently discussing offers from labels wishing to be part of Over the Rhine's "next chapter. Said Detweiler, "Hopefully we can infuse some fresh blood into the situation... our main objective is to grow as song writers, and I still believe that this story is a long way from over." Reviewed by Jessica Aguilar Walker
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