Don’t Mess with the Dragon
Salty and I took off after work last night for Tucson, through a rocking thunderstorm — which if you’ve never experienced in the desert, it is quite a rare treat — for dinner and a concert. While the rain left us both turned around and late, we headed for a cafe counter for a quick meal and slid into the Rialto just in time to see LifeSavas and OzoMatli.
Holy moly.
I’m fairly new to the Ozomatli fan club but last night I signed my name in blood. I have rarely seen such an amazingly talented group of musicians pour so much energy into a show. There were maybe 8-10 members on the stage playing a variety of instruments — clarinet, saxophone, keyboard, guitar, drums, bongos, maracas, tambourine and in a move Will Ferrell would have loved — I’m pretty sure I even saw a cowbell. Not only did they use these instruments to get the entire floor bouncing and dancing like mad, but then they’d switch. Members switched instruments mid-song, each took a turn at singing, they danced and they were so worth the drive and the crazy headache from lack of sleep this morning.
Yeow! I loved it. Plus, the crowd was as eclectic as the music. There were people of all ages — children to retirees — and of all races. This sort of diversity is rarely seen in Arizona, so I was celebrating that as much as the tunes. I can’t wait to see them again. Five stars, absoloodle.
~K
P.S. Yes, we did nearly die of laughter once we realized Modest Mouse (a fave) is playing tonight and we were there last night. We must have missed that memo. I think Adam is considering making it double Tucson show run for the week.
Lucky lucky you!!! I missed Ozo when they came through my neck of the woods. Sounds like fun.
ps. More cowbell!
December 11th, 2007 at 9:53 amI have never heard of them! But it sounds like you had a fun time, and that’s what matters.
December 11th, 2007 at 10:58 amAren’t Ozo amazing? I’ve been a die hard fan since 1997. Seen them live numerous times and come away each time amped and full of positive light–heck maybe even passion. It’s been a minute since I last surfaced, i’ve been lurking for sometime, but glad to see you discovered one of my very favorite things. =) Glad you are well.
December 11th, 2007 at 11:49 amIt sounds like a ton of fun, Kelli! We went to the Gaslight Theatre here in Tucson a couple of weeks ago to see their Christmas show. They do comedic paradies that make us life so hard. And you get to boo and hiss at the villians as well as cheer the hero/heroine. It’s nice to get out and enjoy a fun show or concert now and then.
December 11th, 2007 at 12:17 pmI love Ozomatli!! I had some of their music in college, then my ibook died, and I haven’t had any since. I should remedy that. The show sounds great, I always prefer a mixed crowd too, it’s more balanced, and is a good sign that something (concert, show, bazaar, whatever) is really quality!
December 11th, 2007 at 12:50 pmStupid Strep throat keeping me from seeing Modest Mouse….i totally would have gone. Alone, if necessary.
December 11th, 2007 at 4:03 pmI heart ozomatli! Seen them twice this year (and even hung out backstage on their tour bus!). Hurrah that you discovered them.
December 11th, 2007 at 10:31 pmoh, that sounds like such a lot of fun! (even the desert thunderstorm on the way)…
December 12th, 2007 at 2:59 amI love Modest Mouse too! We check them out everytime they play here!
December 12th, 2007 at 7:25 amI would have loved to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddies…I should check out if they ever come to my area..
December 12th, 2007 at 12:10 pmHow fun! I first experienced Ozomatli when they opened for Los Lonely Boys and must say I haven’t ever enjoyed listening to music so much!!! Their performance is one-of-kind! Glad you could experience it too.
December 13th, 2007 at 9:47 amMore cowbell!!!!
I thought I didn’t care one way or the other about Modest Mouse - until I read this morning that Johnny Marr is now playing/touring with them. That got my attention…
The Ozomatli sounds amazing - so glad you had fun!
December 13th, 2007 at 4:21 pmI surfed through youtube listening to Ozomatli! What a great band! What a great horn section! such enthusiastic audience participation. I’ve made their website a favorite. I will look for them when they come back to AZ and make a point of going to their concert. Thanks for turning me on to them.
December 13th, 2007 at 6:08 pm[…] 5. Metallica (circa 199 4. Daft Punk - I don’t have a single one of their albums or particularly care for their music, but something tells me that this show would be infinitely entertaining. 3. The Decemberists - Speaking of one night away, i was in Boulder 2 weeks back and Colin Meloy was playing at The Fox Theater…alas, i had other places to be. 2. Dustin Kensrue - He didn’t come to Phoenix to support his solo album and even though i’ve seen Thrice, i just want to see him. Damn. 1. Modest Mouse - I came one night and strep throat away from seeing them in Tucson a while back. […]
May 5th, 2008 at 9:16 am