Photo by Traci Goudie.
This post is supplemental to my article on Examiner.com.
Since starting to scope out the Denver local music scene to write about it here and on Examiner.com, I’ve seen a lot of bands and artists with promise. I’ve experienced soul-stirring moments, heard some great musicians play (both veterans and newcomers), and met some awesome friends in the music community. There is a lot of genuine talent here, and I’m a fan, for sure.
Every so often, though, amid all the good music, you get a standout moment where the bar is raised, and someone performs in a way you know you will remember for a long, long time–that soul-rocking moment that reminds you why you are a fan of music, where you want to jump out of your chair and yell, “YES! Now THAT’S what I’m talking about!”
I had that kind of moment Friday night, watching Angie Stevens and the Beautiful Wreck.
I’d read a lot of great stuff about Angie Stevens’ alt-country-roots-rock sound, and had actually been looking for an opportunity to catch her act, to see what all the fuss was about–and time conflicts prevented me before now. I’m glad I went when I had the chance.
Angie and her band took the stage at Bender’s Tavern after 11:30 PM, and to tell you the truth, the opening acts had just about put me to sleep. But from the first few bars of the first song in Angie Stevens’ set, oxygen came back into the room, and I remembered why I’d come. Pretty much everything I saw and heard, from catchy songs to engaging stage presence to fantastic raw talent (as much with the bandmates as with Stevens herself)…all of it was captivating. To say it was one of the most solid performances I’ve seen so far in Denver is putting it mildly.
One of the key things that makes me a fan and a believer when watching a band or artist play is when you can tell they love what they are doing, and that they believe what they are doing. When they believe it, I believe it. You could just tell Angie Stevens loves what she does, and her excitement was absolutely contagious. Not only that–but she’s very, very good at what she does. It isn’t just hype–there is a real voice and talent to match it. It’s apparent that Angie Stevens believes it–and it made a believer out of me.
Now THAT’S what I’m talking about.
OOMPH scale: 10 (the first 10 I’ve given since starting this blog).