Dhani Harrison in new group with Ben Harper!

For those who may find it of interest...

A fans' review of the Somerville, Ma gig.


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WHAT A SHOW - this is probably THE best concert experience i have had to date in a small venue. When i think back to all the shows i have seen both in large venues and intimate ones, Fistful of Mercy is high up on the list of 'bests to date'.

It was a incredibly impressive, enjoyable, humourous, rip roarin' grand time. The crowd we had in attendence in the Boston area was great and responded well to everything. At some moments, they added to the overall experience of the night and the Band seemed to get a nice buzz off that.

Below is my rave reveiw, with some set insights and answers to some of the ponderings i was having prior to the gig.
If you wish to be pleasently SURPRISED when you see the show, use caution reading below as SPOLIERS are present regarding the set list somewhat.

Those interested in a humble fans' opinions and observations of what went on in Somerville last night...READ ON....

Fistful of Mercy were absolutely wonderful! Such a GREAT vibe in the venue that night, and the Band were really adding to that. In all seriousness i truly feel this is a combo that has a good future ahead. I also have to say that i strongly feel this is a very beneficial enviorment for Dhani. You could tell they were all gelling exceptionally well...and really gave the impression that they were literally surrogate brothers. It was truly wonderful for me to witness this...as a supporter of Dhani's musical ventures, and my own personal impression is this has been a huge step up into a better world for him. A joy to behold this last night. The palatte of music, and the arrangements of said music, had massive appeal. I loved every second of it...so enjoyable.
I hope the three of them continue to combine talents as they were incredibly enjoyable as a live act. Joe was awesome, and Ben was equally awesome. This was my first time seeing either of them, having only recently been introduced to them via my interest in Dhani's works.


The venue ( Somervilly Theatre, Somerville MA) was a fantastic place to see these guys perform, as it is a very nice old-style performance theatre with beautiful arcitecture and comfy seats. I had the perfect seat...11 rows back right in front of where Dhani was located for the evening. Sitting here, on the aisle, allowed for being close enough to the performers to see them play and make eye contact, but far enough away so you were not spending the whole night with a bent neck. It was probably the best seat i have ever had for show. It felt like Joe was singing to me most of the night..as i swear he was looking at me during a lot of the songs, but of course i seriously doubt that was the case. It had probably more to do with him just looking out into the center portion of the seats...but it still felt that way!

To my surprise they had a OPENING ACT which i was not aware of until that night. Forgive as i do not remember his name...but he was interesting as he played a guitar made out of a cigar box. It sounded a lot like a ukulele at points, and i could not help but be reminded of George's love of the instrument and it's sound. This gent also played some elaborate and speedy acoustic guitar. First time hearing anything like this....it was almost too many notes to register at once but was enjoyable and even a bit surreal. A finger-plucking style enabled him to do these tricks, and besides playing 'uke' he also at times sounded like a madolin. Jessy, who plays voilin for 'Fistful of Mercy' joined him about half way though his set, which was nice and added more to the performance i thought. So this was a interesting way to begin the evening.
He played for about an hour, then a short break for the roadies to set up for Fistful of Mercy's set.

When they took the stage at about 8:40pm, the crowd went nuts. The performance was top notch with some lovely surprises. It was fantastic right from the very start: Dhani's brightly happy greeting of "Hello!" really put you in a friendly state of mind. They played all the songs from their debut album, and i have to say that hearing the live renditions really added even more appeal to their collection. You could hear how much more refined and polished the songs were now that the Band has had much more time to play around with them. In additon to playing the album songs, they also played a solo effort of Joe's, Ben's and Dhani's together. There was also a couple of cover songs played...a great catchy Bob Dylan tune ( name escapes me as i know little Dylan material) and a mellow Velvet Underground song ( again...i cannot recall what it was called). Joe was sporting some really cool looking guitars with what looked to be custom paint jobs he had done himself. His hollow-body electric in particular really looked beautifully trippy. Joe also played a very small basic drum kit..mostly for the kick drum to keep the beat on some songs, and another foot pedal for a tamborine sound. All i could think of was those small 'Rock Band' pretend 'drum kits' they sell...particularly the 'Beatles RockBand' one.

The Band also played what they introduced as a brand new song they created together that has yet to be recorded. It was bouncy so they asked the audience to get up and dance to it, which we all happily did. Dhani played bass on that one, and jumped around like he had springs on his feet. It really gave the tune a lot of visual energy, and the audience lapped it up. It was amazing. Dhani was kicking some serious butt on that black bass. They also did a encore with another musical segment, perhaps something of Ben's, before playing yet another tune ( another cover?) and then finishing off the evening with a 'unplugged' version of 'For Whom You Belong'. Details below...

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Some memorable moments from the set list , in no particular order....

'I Don't Wanna Waste Your Time' - Show opener, and a great way to start things off since this was the first tune they all worked on in the beginning. It was a nice way to start things.

'Restore Me' - This started off very dreamy and moody...a different arrangement from the original album track which was cool to hear. It then reverted back to it's original form before changing suddenly into this awesome rocking hard version. Ben went absolutely NUTS on his slide guitar and it was freaking AMAZING! WOW. Things then settled back into the usual tempo before the end. Needless to say the audience went absolutely beserk and i think this was the first standing ovation of the evening.

'Father's Son' - A real country sheet-kickin' version...with the tempo increased to a faster pace then the album recording. This one sounded fantastic live. The audience responded by stomping along in time to the beat, as well as clapping..but the stomping was SO enthusiastic the entire theatres' wooden floor was SHAKING. The seats were vibrating like someone had just put 20000 volts through them....it was a uplifting experience! Now whenever i hear this song, i will remember getting a free tush massage that night thanks to the enthusiastic crowd.

'Things Go 'Round' - Joe's introduction to this song was priceless: " This is our acid-karma song. If you have acid, take it nowwww....."

'With Whom You Belong' - The final number of the evening. The Band unplug their instruments and then come to the very front edge of the stage and thank the audience. Joe then says that the last song of the night is about friendship, and they would like their new friends ( the audience) to join in signing with them if they know the words.
He then tells everyone that this is only the second time they have tried this song in this way , so we would have to be quiet to hear them. They then proceeded to play 'With Whom You Belong' completely 'unplugged'...even Jessy the violinist...and the chap who opened the show with his cigar-box guitar.
I have to say it was a very communal vibe...one of those 'light a ligher if you have one' moments. I heard only myself and one other person singing the words out loudly in our center section word for word...and were acknowledged from the stage for this. After a few choruses more of the audience started to sing..until finally most were repearing the chorus. I would love to see a photo of that moment, as the faces of Joe, Ben , and Dhani pretty much said it all. They were beaming.
All artists love to hear their music sung back to them in a situation like that.
It was a fantastic way to close the show. Afterwards they all waved g'bye and thanked everyone again for coming...while Dhani closed his eyes and stood for a moment giving us all a 'Namaste' gesture of thanks. That was lovely...wish i had a photo of that moment. It seemed the experience that evening had meaning to him, and he was grateful for the positive response from everyone.

After playing the cover version of Joe's solo song ( i do not know the name of it..sorry!), Dhani makes a comment from behind the keyboard about thinking the lyrics "nuclear daybreak" were actually 'nuclear date rape". A random moment that provokes some laughter from the other guys, and the audience as well. As Joe tries to set Dhani straight on what the actual REAL lyrics...Ben leans over his mic and utters : " Folks, we have now crossed the line...." which gets a positive cheer from the crowd in attendence. Joe then elaborates on this, trying to see if Ben is now 'in charge of the line'...and when it has been crossed. This then leads to it being turned into a comedy routine about 'the line' in reference to cocaine! The two of them have fun for a few moments joking about it between themselves...while Dhani is still sitting at the keyboard wanting to get on with the show. Joe then turns to Dhani and says: " So Dhani....are YOU 'in charge of the line'? He shakes his head and utters no. Yeah, it was pretty crazy..but funny.


Dhani mentioned about how their new band is being mistaken for a Heavy Metal group because of the 'fist' name. Joe then says they could be, as they ( himself and Ben) are wearing hats. Dhani then comments that Metal groups usually are not known for their hats..but long hair, at which point he holds up his own to display it for them. Ben then says he spent half of his life with a lot of hair ( his old afro hairstyle of yore..) and is going to enjoy the rest of his life without it because 'it is too much a pain in the a**'..

At one point someone in the audience commented on Ben's flourescent lime green shoelaces on his black sneakers, and a lot of jokes were forthcoming about those for the rest of the night. All we needed was a blacklight onstage and we could have had a rave!

Four standing ovations were given by the audience with the final couple of songs performed with people standing..even in the aisle. I was very happy to see this..as they totally deserved the recogniton from the crowd. The first was after the Dylan cover, second was after 'Father's Son' and the third after the end of the show. The Band came out to do a very memorable encore, to which again they were greeted with a standing ovation.

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And now some random observations from the evening.....

There were four professional photographers in the house that night ( with passes to do so with)..so i am expecting some fantastic photos to be forthcoming. I found that unusual considering the venue and the act being somewhat 'unknown' to the general public. It was nice...and can't wait to find the photos!

We had a very varied crowd show up for the performance, which was great. A MUCH better crowd then the scene was when thenewno2 played in this area last year. There was a nice mix..with lots of older adults, young adults, hippies, teens ( mostly girls their to drool over Dhani..) and a few children even. The two kids i saw were both wearing thenewno2 t-shirts, and looked to be about 5 and 7 years old. The whole family came..as Dad had on his Beatles gear and Mom had on a really awesome tye-dye shirt. I saw a lot of 'alternative' fashions on display that night..which was very cool. It added to the rather festive atmosphere of it all. There were of course some abnoxious people ....some girls dressed a bit extreme having had a bit too much alcohol. At one point during the show set one of them yelled out 'I love you' for the 20th time and the guy sitting in front of said person told em' to give it a rest. She responded with a 'F*** you, a****hole' just as their was a quiet moment during the show when the band were bantering between themselves. I really hope none of them thought it was in response to what they were talking about! Sheesh...some people.

Ben jumped down from the stage at one point between songs to hug someone in the front row. Dhani then commented 'Free Hugs' and a few feisty audience members started asking for theirs in good spirits. Ben also almost fell off his stool laughing during one audience interaction with the Band...that was amusing, and he said he thought so too.

I noticed Dhani seemed to have a concerned look whenever someone would walk down the aisle towards the front seats near the stage. My impression was he was just looking out for any crazy nuts that might be running down to 'attack' him. Thankfully it was not that type of crowd, and everyone respected the Bands' space as they should. He still seemed to shoot a nervous look to anyone hurrying towards the stage however which is completely understandable. There was what looked to be one security guy off to one side of the stage, non-intrusive to the show, but seeing Dhani's expression made me again realize how much the poor man has been through already in his short lifespan thus far. Bless em'.

There was a small selection of merchandise availble before and after the show.
They have TWO NEW t-shirt designs on offer, but sadly did not have the shirt availble on their website ( black Goat Logo shirt). Perhaps this one is only availble with the 'bundle' offers there? I was hoping to purchase one that night...but they either did not offer it or it sold out.
The two shirts they DID have were a ash-grey t-shirt with 'Fistful of Mercy' in large maroon test. Incorporated into the text on one side was the 'Question Mark Goat' image shown in the Bands' liner notes from the album.
Another shirt looked to be a dark blue, with a light blue abstract silloette of their Goat.
There was ALSO a black totebag for sale...which was nice. It looked just like their original black 'Goat' Logo t-shirt.
And of course, CDs for being sold. I am not sure if they had any vinyl copies there..but i did see one person carrying one.

There was a aftershow meet n' greet with the Band, however, it was for people who had the required 'Aftershow' passes.

A fabulous evening ...any way you look at it. If i remember additonal details, i will add them here. When i come across some photos worth sharing from the night..i will post them as well.

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If that was not enough reading for you, check out this glowing review of the Somerville gig in The Boston Globe:

"Fistful of Mercy packs punch"

http://http://www.boston.com/ae/musi...y_packs_punch/

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I am surprised no one has posted anything related to the shows that have happened over the past few weeks.

For those reading who may not know, Fistful of Mercy has announced they have had to cut the current Euro Tour short due to unforeseen personal reasons.

Both German dates, as well as the Belgian gig have been cancelled.

So sorry to hear this...as our European friends will miss seeing this fantastic live act.

I am sure however that FoM will be BACK in the future.

Legs, FPSHOT and myself have seen the show yesterday in Amsterdam!
Those Germans en Belgians are certainly missing something!!!
The guys will do the review...I was only the photographer

Originally Posted by taxgirl

The guys will do the review...I was only the photographer

Okay, where are the photos?

Originally Posted by hibgal

Okay, where are the photos?

On my computer.... LOL
I hope I can upload them later this evening....
Be patient

Originally Posted by taxgirl

The guys will do the review...I was only the photographer

and a fantastic one

what a great concert, I will write the revie tomorrow

Originally Posted by Unknown Delight

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I am surprised no one has posted anything related to the shows that have happened over the past few weeks.

For those reading who may not know, Fistful of Mercy has announced they have had to cut the current Euro Tour short due to unforeseen personal reasons.

Both German dates, as well as the Belgian gig have been cancelled.

So sorry to hear this...as our European friends will miss seeing this fantastic live act.

I am sure however that FoM will be BACK in the future.

What a sad post

I was there in Amsterdam last night and the guys + the most beautiful Jesse GHreen on violin did a fantastic gig

I don't know who went to what concerts but I will say I certainly enjoyed the concert at the Paradiso yesterday.

3 relaxed guys and a wonderful lady creating beautiful music.
The whole Fistfull of Mercy album, which I only knew for a few days, but it was great hearing it live among other songs by Dhani , Joseph and Ben.

One of the many highlights was the sing along with the audience at the end. A totally acoustic version of " With Whom You Belong".
Many other highlighs as well, and I am sure FPSHOT has more to say about them.

Originally Posted by Legs

One of the many highlights was the sing along with the audience at the end. A totally acoustic version of " With Whom You Belong".

I'm uploading that one on You Tube right now, but it takes a while

Many other highlighs as well, and I am sure FPSHOT has more to say about them.

To our volunter:
FPSHOT we're waiting for your review and I will add some pictures and songs.

Originally Posted by taxgirl

I'm uploading that one on You Tube right now, but it takes a while

Looking forward to that.

Preview

Beautiful picture TB

Originally Posted by taxgirl

To our volunter:
FPSHOT we're waiting for your review and I will add some pictures and songs.

Originally Posted by Legs

Many other highlighs as well, and I am sure FPSHOT has more to say about them.

So far he hasn't said much - here. Too caught up in that hippedy hop thread. Come on FP, be a sport. We are all wanting that review NOW! How else are we going to squeeze those pictures and videos from taxgirl?

Let's just say that this time I am The Quiet One and spent far too much time here on some local artist called West who seems to amuse 5 people here max.

I've been a bit busy the past weeks but will certainly provide the review before the end of the year and of course will include videos and pictures which my taxbabe made.

Originally Posted by FPSHOT

I've been a bit busy the past weeks but will certainly provide the review before the end of the year

which year??

Originally Posted by taxgirl

which year??

this one of course, it's rather difficult to still do it in 2010

You have written a review in Dutch which was very good.
I'll leave you alone whole day tomorrow so you have time enough to translate it in English...

Originally Posted by taxgirl

I'll leave you alone whole day tomorrow so you have time enough to translate it in English...

I have my priorities my love and this is not a good idea and will not happen