The Ruby Suns w/ The Union Line 10/26/10 Cafe Nine

California rockers The Union Line open the show. Organ, two guitars, bass, and drums sounded like one of my favorite new bands, Blitzentrapper. Lots of percussion and good vocals.

Headliner Ruby Suns hail from Auckland, New Zealand. Touring unit was three guys ( studio unit has more members). Drums, bass, and guitars synths put out alot of sound for three guys. They set up on the floor citing the "musicians living room" as a reason to ditch the stage. Show opened with a rousing cover of Prince's "I'll Die for You". Sang one tune in their native NZ tongue. "Oh Mojave" from the Sea Lion album on the SubPop label was a standout. Closed the show with "Runnin Up That Hill" a Kate Bush cover.

Little Teeth 10/12/10 Cafe Nine

San Francisco freak trio reminded me of Yoko or Bjork in their delivery. Two girl harmony front women with helper dude on drums and bass. The women were adorned with various shakers and rattles which added to their distinctive sound. Ukelele, banjo, and glockenspiel were also used. One glock-oriented "song" had the guy playing his on the floor in front of the bathroom, while the ladies played theirs on stage. Finale had the trio doing an acapella chant percussion circle in the audience that was truly original. This was definitely a SF-values tour.

Julian Lage Group 10/01/10 Firehouse 12

Got the last seat for the second set for Lage's quintet. Group consisted of cello, sax and melodica, standup bass, percussion, and Lage on guitar. More song oriented than most avant sessions that I have seen at Firehouse 12, but a welcome change. Lage is a deft picker with speedy fills. Percussionist used no sticks, just hands and fingers the entire time. Excellent duet with Lage and bass. Inventive closer 123 Butler (address of "the best guitar store ever") was a standout. Youtube Lage as a young prodigy on the show Jules At Eight.