sotd: Ari Hest’s “How Would I Know”
Ari Hest played the Intersection in Grand Rapids last night. I went with some friends, one of whom had seen him in LA years ago and claimed we had to see him. Became and insta-fan. He’s touring the States for the next few months in support of his new album Sunset Over Hope Street, ending at Mountain Jam which I’ve been seriously considering going to.
The show was in the front lounge which is getting more and more shows since the new ownership, a good move in my opinion. The show was intimate and with a front and center seat I got great sound and was able to admire the drumming of Doug Yowell who was also looping in percussion for a fuller sound.
Ari commented several times at how great the crowd was and that it had him in an unusually good mood. They came back and played a few more songs for the encore including the last song which was written after the latest album was finished. Of course it was my favorite so I’ll have to get the next album. He unplugged his guitar and turned off the mic and came down from the stage singing to the captivated audience. I commented to a friend that it annoyed the hell out of me that I can’t sing a note but Ari seems to sing perfect pitch at high volume seemingly without any effort at all.
When he comes back to Grand Rapids, as he claimed he was looking forward to doing, I’ll be there.
