When you walk into a concert venue and you happen to find the band shmoozing in front of the chicken coop, you know the show is a bit different than the usual. I’ve seen Marah in two other small venues, but the fact is that I’ve never quite experienced the intimacy of the inaugural show at the Treehouse in Takoma Park, MD (way out in the ‘burbs). Before the show, patrons brought their own snacks and beverages and it seemed like a party among friends (that Dave Bielanko and Christine Smith just happened to attend). It was both surreal and amazing in the same breath.
For a venue that holds approximately 40-60 people in a living room, each member of the audience was visible to the band at any given time. It certainly broke down the normal barriers of audience and band, particularly on the more acoustic numbers. I’ve heard band favorites “Limb” and “City of Dreams” a number of times, but when the band is less than five feet away and you can feel the floor vibrate from the guitar, there’s no comparison. Christine Smith’s piano runs and harmonies rounded out Marah’s core duo, fresh from arduous recording sessions. Dave Bielanko was in the driver’s seat with Christine’s one woman rhythm section (see the amazing vaudeville touches in “Limb” particularly).
During the second set, Dave announced that he’d now start the ballads section. The tunes had that unmistakable rough edge of Dave’s worn voice sweetened by Christine’s harmony. Two new tunes at the beginning of the set certainly bode well for the new album (although it’s unclear how it’ll sound on record).
Finally, the rock edge appeared in the last few songs. “Santos de Madera” was surprisingly effective in a stripped down setting. During “Point Breeze” and “The Closer,” the chairs went back to the wall and Dave and the audience seemed ready to bust right out of the acoustic setting. While this was a hip 30-something crowd, both songs have an infectious danceable chorus that they couldn’t ignore.
If I had to criticize one thing, it was that I couldn’t request any of Serge Bielanko’s songs (Dave’s brother who left the band on paternity leave). But Dave has moved on and has filled his own catalogue nicely and I’m eager to see the new editions come June.
Photos by Suzanne Davis
About the author: Jeff is a teacher in the Boston area. When not buried correcting papers, Jeff can be found plucking various stringed instruments and listening to all types of americana music.