Show Review

Jimmy Gnecco (of Ours) & Zoe Bonham

September 22, 2002 - Gypsy Tea Room - Dallas, TX

I actually flew in from Colorado to see Ours, so that should be a good indicator of what this review will be like....

Zoe Bonham opened for Jimmy Gnecco. Her set lasted close to 45 minutes and the crowd was upset to see her go. Zoe's voice is truly unique and I am partial to female vocalists. Something about her voice reminded me a bit of Kate Bush, but her voice is still very much her own. There's an underlying sweetness to it that's just undeniable. Her lyrics are intensely personal, powerful and brave. Just before the last song of her set, someone asked if she had a CD available. Unfortunately she doesn't. I was so disappointed after hearing this infectious music. I still have 3 songs in my head since I heard her play that evening. I strongly recommend you check her out if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to see her play.

It seemed like forever between Zoe and Jimmy's sets, but it was less than half an hour. Naturally the crowd gave a warm (if painfully loud) welcome. It was just Jimmy and his guitar, but what a huge sound! He played in the neighborhood of 20 songs including his superb renditions of "Bohemian Rhapsody", "Femme Fatale" and "Cryin'". At one point, he asked that Zoe help him out with a song which turned out to be "Places". Zoe was a little shy but everyone was supportive and she did a beautiful job. The audience was treated to hearing several songs that will be on Ours' upcoming release, Precious (DreamWorks - November 5, 2002). I felt that he put on a show that everyone could feel. In fact, one of the lines of "Red Colored Stars" is "Oh can you feel it?" and after the song a person directly behind me screamed out "I can feel it." Jimmy seemed particularly inspired by this emotional crowd. After "Bohemian Rhapsody" Jimmy walked across the stage to console a fan who was obviously overwhelmed by the performance. Apparently that wasn't quite enough because several other people screamed out for hugs and or kisses and he was generous enough to comply with most of the desperate requests. It was a show that I suspect will go unsurpassed in my memory since I too could "feel it". I can't say enough good things about Ours and I suggest that everyone out there take advantage and see them perform any time they come to your town. See the complete set list below:

Here Is The Light : Sometimes : God Only Wants You (I do not know if this is the actual title since it has not been published) : Dizzy : I'm A Monster : Chapter 2 (Money) : Kill The Band : Outside : Femme Fatale (Velvet Underground cover) into Dancing Alone : I Was In The Garden : Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen Cover) : Meet Me In The Tower : Red Colored Stars (for the band) : Places (with Zoe Bonham) : Medication : Bleed : If Flowers Turn : Disaster In A Halo : Dracula's Bride (for Dave Milone who wrote the song) : Cryin' (Roy Orbison cover) : Miseryhead

© 2002 Tamara Madden - All Rights Reserved.

Comments? Questions? E-mail: ladybug@tamaramadden.com