photos by David Andrako

Gabriel & the drummers of Takka Takka & the National

A>G>E opened the early show at Mercury Lounge on Tuesday night (Valentine's Day). A>G>E is the project of Josh Wise (formerly of French Kicks), and drumming for him was Nick Stumpf (French Kicks drummer, Caveman producer). Walt Martin from the Walkmen was playing bass.

As advertised, headliner Gabriel & the Hounds (aka Gabe Levine of Takka Takka) was joined by many friends during his new-record-celebrating set including Bryan Devendorf of the National & Conrad Doucette of Takka Takka on drums, and a horn section featuring members of the National & Beirut (Kyle Resnick on trumpet, Ben Lanz on trombone, and Michael Atkinson on french horn). Phil Palazzolo, who engineered the Hounds record, was playing guitar (you also know him from the bands of Neko Case & AC Newman and elsewhere). Nate Lithgow, who also plays in My Brightest Diamond & other bands, played bass.

Here are some pictures from the show. More of them, including a shot of the setlist, below...

Continue reading "Gabriel and the Hounds, A>G>E & friends played Mercury Lounge (pics)"

photos by Toby Tenenbaum

The guest-filled six-night run of National shows came to an end on Saturday night (12/17), complete with an opening set by Bristol, England-based group This is the Kit who the National discovered on their recent tour of Europe. Maybe you watched the whole show livestreaming online.

Most of the guests on Saturday were the same as Friday, though no Trey. Saturday guests were Thomas Bartlett, Nico Muhly, Richard Reed Parry, Rob Moose, Nadia Sirota, Conrad Doucette and yMusic. Ben Lanz, who also played Thursday and Friday, was on trombone again after leaving the band earlier this year to join Beirut full time.

More about Night One HERE. Night Two HERE. Night Three HERE. Night Four HERE. Night Five HERE. More pictures and the setlist from Night Six, below...

Continue reading "The National played 6 nights @ Beacon Theater (pics, setlist) "