Spencer Day and his quartet played last night, November 4th, at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood. Playing many songs from his latest release, Vagabond, they also threw in some tunes they have recently been working and will hopefully show up on future albums. The gig was well-done, and I was tremendously impressed by the high caliber of playing, both on an individual level as well as the whole group sound. Definitely recommend hearing these guys in person!

The Performance

Although Hotel Cafe in Hollywood is a relatively smaller venue, Spencer Day and his group had no trouble filling the space – and the seats – with their highly catchy and entertaining music. It’s always good to see people coming in eager to hear a live performance from an album that has brought so much luster to the scene lately.

Even up to the last song, people were still coming in to check it out. And because I didn’t see a single person leave while he was up on stage, it was truly standing room only at that point. Most of the set list consisted of songs from their latest release, Vagabond (Concord, 2009), which really caught people’s attention – whether fans of jazz or not.

The group plays very well live, and they really listen to each other. Subtle entrances, percussive compliments, and great vocal harmonies really help to bring a group together, and these are not concepts that are foreign to the group in any way. Add to that the great stage presence and humor of Spencer, and you have a very entertaining and fun event.

They ended the set with the track “Better Way”, featuring a guest appearance from iconic saxophonist Dave Koz. Having received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame just a month ago, he is no stranger to the Hollywood scene and really added to the performance. Filling in for many parts that feature the violin on the album, Koz rocked the stage with his great improvisation. It was only a matter of time until the crowd got into it, clapping along to the catchy rhythm and beat of the song.

Overall the show was very entertaining and fun. His music appeals to a large body of music styles and tastes, and coupled with his ability to write songs that are catchy – yet still musically intricate – he has really set a good foundation for performances and recordings to come.

The Live Group Sound

While Spencer Day leads the group on vocals and piano, this is definitely not a “side-show” group up on stage with him. Guitarist and cellist, Yair Evnine, is a great all-around musician, filling in on background vocals while also adding to the sound of the group on many different instruments. Playing acoustic and electric guitar last night, he is a solid performer that brings the group to the next level.

It was very clear from the beginning of the set that Yair knows his way around the instrument; however he is not one of those guys that are up there to showcase himself. Instead he shows his musical abilities as contributor and great listener while performing, throwing in his parts that add to the great overall sound of the group.

Also not to be glossed over are the bassist Matt Swindells and drummer Michael Spiro that really round the group off. As is in the nature of their instruments, their approach is very subtle and complimentary, but I’d like to point out that their contributions added so much to the performance. They are both very musically talented and are very in-tune with the sound of the group. Often times the bassist and drummer get overlooked, so I’d like to mention that I enjoyed their playing, really helping to add that extra flavor and atmosphere that the group achieved on both the album and in person last night.

My Thoughts

It was very good to see how in touch every member of the group was with each other. They are very aware of sound they are looking for, and more importantly, they know how to achieve it. Each part and instrument is not going crazy and all over the place, ready to fill every bit of space; instead the group calls on their experience knowing each other and playing together to know when and how to contribute each part.

Having had a chance to speak with Spencer as well as Yair, I have to say that they are probably the most humble and down to earth people you can meet. Very excited of the opportunity to put out an album with Concord, and to be out on tour on the west coast, they said they are really appreciate all of the backing of the fans and are very happy to see how much support they get from everyone who has shown up to their gigs.

They love to perform, and their ability to play for the audience – as opposed to playing for themselves – was apparent in last night’s performance. Great gig, really fun. Hope to see them again in the future!

- Album Review
- Our Interview with Spencer

Special Thanks

Our thanks to Spencer, Yair and the rest of the group for speaking with us after show. Also, thank you to Manager David Britz, Concord, and Glenn at On Target Media Group for arranging the show and coordinating tickets.

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