|
Donavon Frankenreiter :: 02.10.05 :: Bowery Ballroom :: New York, NY
Donavon Frankenreiter :: 2.10 :: New York |
Donavon Frankenreiter; the name doesn't exactly roll right off the tongue. Give it some time and it will. If Jack Johnson and the rise of West Coast surf-soul are any indication, Donavon Frankenreiter and his three-piece band might just be the next thing to breathe new life into the wearisome pop market.
Donavon's first life began at age 13, when Billabong became his first sponsor and afforded him a role most surfers dream of, that of a free surfer - paid to ride the waves but not required to surf in competition. Now onto Act Two, Donavon's music career is spreading from coast to coast as well as overseas. Donavon and Co. gigged at Bonnaroo, Sasquatch!, 10,000 Lakes, Fuji Rock Festival in Japan, and more recently, a 19-date tour with Brushfire Record buddies Jack Johnson and G. Love and Special Sauce.
 |
 |
| Donavon Frankenreiter :: 2.10 :: New York |
Like Johnson, Donavon's sound is a blend of soothing pop and acoustic soul. In person, Donavon is an interesting character. His bushy brown hair escapes from beneath a vintage looking hat, but what really gets you is the mustache. It's large - large enough to make you smirk a little and then wish you could pull off a mustache as cool as Donnie's. His attire resembles a casting call for Almost Famous, except unlike you, Donavon makes it work.
Donavon Frankenreiter :: 2.10 |
It's no surprise that candles, tinted lights, and '70s lamps are used to decorate the small stage. And while at times the crowd chatter was a bit loud, it didn't take long for them to fall into the carefree vibe of Donavon's tunes. After performing "What'cha Know," the album's first single, and a few reggae rhythm filled songs, Donavon took his first big swig of wine and voiced to the Bowery crowd how thankful he was for selling out his big NYC gig. The latter half of his set featured a sing-along to "It Don't Matter" as well as several quasi-ballads and Spanish influenced jams. Twice he took the request of audience members, playing "Call me Papa" and during the encore, "Butterfly."
The crowd was a subtle mix of surf wannabees, college students, and newly acquired fans of his label mates. The Bowery Ballroom played a perfect host for Donavon; intimate enough to satisfy from any vantage point, yet big enough to make it an event. If you like his album, you must make the move and see him live. Whether or not you're sold on his sound, it won't be long before you're tapping your feet and maybe even shaking that booty a little. Either way, Donavon is a cool customer who will only improve with each mile on the road.
Words & Images by: Rob Loud
JamBase | NYC
Go See Live Music!
|
