Live Review: Peter Adams @ Piano's 10.11.07

Playing in the 7 o'clock slot at Piano's on a Thursday is kind of like doing stand-up comedy at a dinner party or holding a political rally at a Burger King. You're not sure how many people will be listening and frankly, even though it's a good opportunity, it could turn into a total fucking disaster. That is, of course, unless you can pull a decent crowd of your own people, throw some strangers in the mix and manage to win everyone over and come out looking like you own the place.

Peter Adams may now have partial deed to the backroom at Piano's. He stared situational obstacles (playing early, being an out-of-market musician) in the face and didn't blink. Now, Peter Adams does not play the kind of music that lays a room flat on sheer volume or power. In fact, this was one of the few New York shows I can remember where the frontman never lost hold of his acoustic guitar. Primarily, the night was a success based on the richness of the live arrangements and the accurate audible translation from recording to stage. From the cello, to the violin, to the keyboard, to the chimes, and of course both electric and acoustic guitars Adams and his band of five made 35 minutes of beautiful music.

Adams, himself, is an onstage enigma. He holds his guitar more than like an executioner's AK-47 than a musician's tool. The body is held high and tight in his right arm-pit and the neck is aimed downward to his left, almost at a 45-degree angle. It seems like every chord change could easily result in bullets flying from the head and laying waste to everyone in the front row. Luckily, Peter Adams has much more peaceful ideas on his mind and he motors through a set, primarily composed of songs off his precocious first album, The Spiral Eyes. He periodically looks over at his guitarist, or at the kid manning the stand-up bass as if to say, "well, these are my songs but you guys are doing a pretty good job." There is quiet respect and chemistry between Adams and his band, like that of the introverted ring-leader and his multi-instrumental circus.

The night closes and soon there is another band trying to hold fans in an early time slot. They are less than successful, offering further proof of Adams' ability to pull a crowd, keep them nodding along and, eventually, exchanging cash for CDs. For a first show in New York, that's not half bad.

Peter Adams is playing a second show tonight at 9pm at Arlene's Grocery. Some of the Loose family will be there and this young musician comes with the highest recommendation.