Hunter College
New York City
Sunday, August 9, 1998
By Dave Landsel
It wasn't much more formal (and was perhaps even less pretentious) than an intimate gathering in your living room. And when the fun-loving folks of Stickman Jones took the stage after much anticipation from the amiable crowd, it was without fanfare.
The night began with a tasty rendition of "I Want it All," then led into a colorful blend of songs from their 1995 EP debut, Ripple (a disc of solid, artistic/folk rock tunes); their current disc, Blinding Bright; and some new songs that represent much artistic growth in the trio of songwriters who are the core of the band - David Sacks, Jad Mintun, and Annie Quick.
In a live setting, Quick's vocals are every bit as compelling as I'd hoped after becoming familiar with their recorded material. There's liberal usage of a number of mandolins and guitars; Stickman Jones' members are very much a model of versatility and skill. And they're always in step with each other, making for a superior live show. Three rubber chickens adorned the microphone stands (bring a rubber chicken and you got in free!).
The second time I saw the band they were part of a large evening worship service held at Hunter College on New York's Upper East Side. They played a couple numbers, one of which they'd written less than two days before. It is because of the outstanding nature of this particular tune that I even bother to bring up this second performance. The name of the song is "Joy," and it will bring the quality of which it speaks directly into the heart of any listener.
This is not a record review, but the lyrics certainly bear mention here: "We are cradled by mighty hands that have tenderly made us clean, have cleansed our head and our hands, washed our feet / We are clothed in flowing gowns of splendor, dressed in garments of gladness and peace; encircled with golden crowns of joy / Who washes you? Who clothes you? Who feeds you? Who gives you joy?"
Besides the three "core" members, there's a great deal of additional talent offered by the seemingly always-smiling and extremely talented accordion player Rob Curto, low-key drums played by Ethan Hartshorn, and backing vocals by close friend Laura Berman. (Regular Mary Mossberg was overseas at the time of this show.)
When I sit down and listen to this music, I always wonder, what is it that makes Stickman Jones so darn irresistible? Is it their original style? Is it the intelligence of the lyrics? I don't know. All I can tell you is that an evening spent in concert with these up-and-comers is time well spent. Perhaps then, you, the reader, will find yourself hopelessly in love.
The band has no immediate plans to travel beyond New York's borders. But if you ever find yourself in that veritable world capital of excitement, do yourself a favor and sift through the club listings for this name, find it, and go - you'll be glad you did. On regular rotation at a handful of prestigious local venues, it's never too far between shows. Here's hoping we'll see Stickman Jones out in middle America sometime soon.
For concert info, or to purchase some of the best independent music this year, visit http://www.stickmanjones.com.
By Dave Landsel
