Three hun-dred six-ty five de-grees...

That was hot. A night to remember up in Santa Rosa at the Wells Fargo Center of the Arts. The night was young starting at around 8pm. We're usually waiting to exhale at around 10 for openers. No openers for David Byrne, because he doesn't need it. The place was packed and loud waiting for Mr. Byrne to burn down the house. He literally saved the best for last after 2 encores. David and his band are out on an extensive tour that spans the entire USA up until the holidays. Then they are back on the road into Europe where I am sure sell out crowds will await him. They are on tour promoting the album "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today" a collaboration of efforts from Byrne and Brian Eno. Selections from the album were prominent during the 2 hour set.





I was particularly impressed with how well the show was produced and put together. The lighting and stage crew did a phenomenal job hitting all the marks with the music. The dancers also put on quite a show adding to the overall experience of seeing DB live. It was also great getting to see Paul Frazier and Graham Hawthorne in action. They have been MONOplayers for quite sometime and have supported MONO products for a while.





So it was 2 encores and the lights came back on and everyone left with spirits high. The after party soon commenced and we were allowed into a room with drinks and conversation. The band and crew were definitely in relaxation mode after a full night, their third consecutive in the bay area. It was a good time of catching up and winding down all rolled into one.

Derek Webb has something to say.

After leaving Caedmon's Call to pursue a solo career in 2003, Derek Webb hasn't stopped making music since. His latest "The Ringing Bell" the fourth album post-Caedmon's finds Webb speaking words of peace...not so peacefully. And that's what makes Derek Webb a man that has something to say.

Aside from his sometimes raspy vocals, Webb can be tender at times yet cut through your thoughts at others. It's a great mixture of soft and edge that puts him in a light of his own. Yes, he pushes boundaries, but earns respect for going there.

Welcome Derek Webb, MONOplayer. We'll be hearing more from him later.



For more buzz visit www.noisetrade.com/derekwebb