Gonzales battled Andrew W.K. (whose tour starts today) @ Joe's Pub (Jamie Lidell was there) - pics & video

September 29, 2009

by Andrew Frisicano (who went to this show after Yo La Tengo @ Roseland)

Thanks to all who supported me and @Andrewwk in the immortal piano showdown last night…We’re all winners! –chillygonzales

Gonzales‘s midnight set at Joe’s Pub on Friday (9/25), the second of two that night, was packed. Before the show, the small club had a line that stretched down the block, which meant most of the floor space between the limited seating was filled with people either sitting or standing. Gonzales (pianist, Feist producer, and world record holder for longest solo-artist performance) started out with a solo “piano talk” set of equal parts jokes and songs. He read a fictional, satirical preview for his own show, explained the difference between major and minor chords (the former inspire false optimism and pacify the working class) and played some of his “hits” (his word) like “Slow Down” and “Take Me to Broadway.”

Throughout, Gonzales sported a pair of white cotton gloves (kind of like Mickey Mouse) that were relayed from an overhead camera onto a screen. As billed, Jamie Lidell came out to sing, though he did just one song, “What Is It This Time?” Then it was time for the piano battle arranged and judged by Akira the Don, some kind of rapper/British personality. Andrew W.K. went first (he won a coin toss) and the pair exchanged lengthy improvisations that fluttered from Romantic ballads to stride piano licks to light rock covers. Andrew W.K. nearly lifted the piano off the group, Gonzales played with a blindfold over his eyes. Both responded quite well to the musical barbs of the other. Ultimately, Gonzales was declared the winner (though the crowd seemed to suggest otherwise). Videos of Jamie Lidell’s song and the piano battle are posted below.

Andrew W.K.’s tour with the Calder Quartet begins today. They play Joe’s Pub on October 2nd (it sometimes helps to make a table reservation – and show up early – to get a seat at the venue).