In this world of instant downloads and music on demand, there is, I fear, a whole generation of music fans missing out on the joys of the live experience, that intoxicating dance between music maker and audience, that in-the-moment beauty. And if younger people are checking out artists in the flesh, as it were, the now popular, industry-sanctioned, cash-till-ring of the “eventist” experience, where the intimacy is lost as you struggle to pick out the artist, or watch them via a giant screen at the other end of a vast stadium venue, is hardly what we are talking about here.
What we are talking about here is typified by “Sentimental Magic Cape,” the latest of a series of live videos from Eyal Erlich. The beauty of this live piece goes beyond his impressive songwriting, beyond the pop-smart contagion of the lyrics, beyond even the song as a whole.
The beauty, for me, of a live performance, as typified here, is the honesty and vulnerability, the artistry of the players, and the musical interactions as we watch the song being pieced together, growing to fruition before our eyes…and indeed, our ears. The art of the recording studio and the live performance are two different disciplines, but for me, the conjuration of music in real time, from the ground up, always wins.
But that is not to say that “Sentimental Magic Cape,” is not a great song, it is, one filled with rock flair and classical dexterity, brilliant dynamic that ebbs and flows before you, seventies vibes and modern indie groove…the more I try to capture the song in easy labels and soundbites, the more elusive it seems to be – always a good sign.
Eyal Erlich makes music that sits outside of fad and fashion; perhaps it would be both brilliantly ahead of its time and wonderfully behind the curve in any age.
“Sentimental Magic Cape”, like all Erlich’s music, is a reminder that playing to listeners’ expectations and making your way through comfort zones is for those with less imagination. Why follow others when you can lead the way? Although I get the feeling that such ideas of following or leading are redundant, and that all he is about is just “doing”. And doing is what he does, brilliantly!
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