That1Guy
Thursday November 15th 2007
Dada, Delray Beach
Better Than: Emmet Otter’s Jug Band Christmas
The Review: I had no idea what to expect out of this performance. It turns out that nothing really could have prepared me for what was about to happen. It started out with That1Guy bringing in 3 large suitcases, a large rectangular box and several amps and speakers. 30 minutes later, That1Guy had assembled what can only be described as a steam-punk version of a harp: several large pieces of steel pipe which are miked in various places, held together with a couple steel joints which have sampling buttons embedded and a single bass string wired from top to bottom. It took him 10 years to create and perfect what he calls his “Magic Pipe” and every second of work can be heard. Add a couple kick pedals and a snare drum and you’ve got the beginnings of the most amazing one man performance in music today.
Imagine Mike Patton, Les Claypool, Frank Zappa, Tom Waits, and a humpback whale sitting around a table discussing music and you’ve got an idea of what you might expect from an evening with That1Guy. The music began with Mike Silverman (That1Guy’s alter ego) gently running a bow across the bass string creating a cello-esque yawning which brought silence to the previously preoccupied crowd. Moments later, That1Guy dropped the bow and began plucking, strumming and slapping his magic pipe (it sounds like a porno, but I swear it's all pg-13) producing sounds ranging from a sort of electric didjeridoo to a distorted guitar to an upright bass. While his hands are busy creating a myriad of sounds, his feet are tapping a couple drum pedals and creating a sort of industrial and tribal rhythm which had every foot in the room tapping along.
Throughout the show, That1Guy would keep upping the ante by breaking out and playing an Electric Cowboy boot for one song and then pulling out an enormous handsaw and playing a psychedelic version of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. All the while, dude was still able to engage the crowd with humor and theatrics normally reserved for lead singers with nothing else to do. To put it simply, That1Guy puts on a show that positively must be seen to be believed, and even then it’s hard not to be astounded by the sheer musical genius on display.
That1Guy stuck around and played two sets, but the crowd still begged for another encore. Do yourself a favor and check out his website www.that1guy.com and don’t even think about missing his performance at next year’s Langerado Music Festival.
Personal Bias: I’m a sucker for inventiveness and originality in today’s somewhat bland musical landscape.
Random Detail: Marc is a classically trained musician who loosely based his magic pipe on the upright bass.
By the Way:According to That1Guy’s new album title “The Moon Is Disgusting” because it’s made of cheese. It’s a perfect follow up to his debut album: Songs in the Key of Beotch.
--Brett Gillin
