Saturday night, the growing music phenomenon Melomane crowned a busy year with a splendid show at Joe's Pub for which this website awards them the DAAM for, the Diversity Achievement Award in Music. During their stint as entertainment combo in Holiday resorts in the South of France this summer, this band must have discovered some kind of holy grail for songs: New arrangements brought out qualities in old gems like "Northern Birds" that made them shine in clothes of a different genre, revealing layers and sexy hooks, new blood and verve. No strings this time, but exquisite horns, notably by the second Swiss to join the band, artist Eveline Feldman. Seemingly effortless, the band slid from Pop to Folk, from World to Rock, from Ballad to Battle song with sweetly alert stage presence. And then the new songs, boy! Absolute highlight was the Thin Lizzy style guitar duell between Pierre and Q., flawless.
But really, did you ever doubt they had it in them? This band has all the chops needed in their wonderfully charismatic mix: Britpop escapist Quentin Jennings, the ultimate American urban country girl Daria Klotz on bass, the poetic flow and prolific wit of french-californian Pierre de Galliande's songs, all backed by his trusted buddy Kenny Savelson from the days of US postpunk legends Morning Glories. And there's the ever growing variety of guest musicians and world spanning side projects, just to mention here C. Gibbs with Melomane cellist Frank Heer, who will be touring Europe this October. Come wish C. Gibbs luck this Tuesday night at Joe's Pub again, where they are celebrating the Lucinda Black Bear record release party. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Diversity Achievement Award in Music 2007 goes to the New York band Melomane, true professionals, true believers in music and fully committed to good taste.
Since you've seen tons of Melopix from shows already, I include the great pretty old (2002?) shot they sent to Joe's Pub.
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