liveDaily
Sep 04, 2003 |
by Christina Fuoco
liveDaily Contributor
September 04, 2003 02:11 PM
With their chill-inducing harmonies and deft musicianship, Hanson--often derided as a novelty act--actually is one of the best-kept secrets in the music business.
A remnant of the boy-band era, the trio of Oklahoma brothers show all the signs that they can survive outside of the genre in which they are often mistakenly lumped; unlike many pop acts, the group writes and performs its material--and doesn't dance.
Hanson's innate talent prevailed at its 90-minute acoustic performance Wednesday (9/2) at Nita's Hideaway in Tempe, AZ. The effervescent drummer/singer Zac, guitarist/singer Isaac and pianist/singer Taylor Hanson took turns singing songs ranging from their debut effort, "Middle of Nowhere" ("MMMBop," "Where's the Love"), to their latest CD, the self-released "Underneath Acoustic."
The brothers lined the front of the stage, so fans had a prime view of each. Taylor, now married and with a child, donned a white tank top, pants and suspenders, while eldest brother Isaac donned a white shirt and skinny black tie. Zac sat behind his drum kit wearing an old-school jersey.
Hanson's fans, some of whom said they were chided by their friends for going, have clearly grown up right alongside them. The audience of mostly teenage girls showed their appreciation for the more-mature offerings from "Underneath Acoustic," including "Underneath," co-written with Matthew Sweet, and a bluesy, rousing version of "Where's the Love" was well received, especially the impeccable harmonies during the a cappella ending.
Material from the just-released "Underneath Acoustic" occupied a large chunk of the set list, which didn't bother audience members, most of whom sang along breathlessly to each of the songs. Isaac referenced a forthcoming full-length, from which punchy "Penny and Me," also available on "Underneath Acoustic," will be the first single.
In addition to playing its own original material, Hanson provided an education in music of sorts for its young fans when the trio, with Isaac on guitar, huddled around the mike to perform a gentle, stellar cover of "Teach Your Children." It was a telling sign of the times when teens in the audience held up their cell phones during the Crosby, Stills and Nash staple. Also included in the history lesson was a cover version of Eddie Cochran's "Summertime Blues"--with Isaac on the bass and vocals--that kicked the show up a notch.
After a slew of slower, new material, Taylor introduced "You Never Know" by saying, "We've been down a little bit. It's time to shake your booties. If anyone's got room, I want to see those arses shaking."
Isaac also broke from the mostly G-rated show to crack a joke about a fan who complimented him. "You like my pick? That's dangerously close to another word."
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