Rock Star....and a Piano

He's a rock star in his own right. His talent precedes him (as do his giggling-groupies -and their single green glow stick- with their wavy hands.). Dressed in his hipster sweater and nerdy glasses, Ben Folds put on the best one-man show I've seen. After a short half-hour struggling set by local musician Zach Williams, Folds strutted out in style and redeemed the crowd. His loose humor and opening jokes about coming to Georgia with a welcome sign that looked like a "big ass" (aka, the Georgia peach) made the audience feel comfortable. In fact, the entire night was engaged with humor-filled lyrics and stories.

But two things stood out the most: his energetic ability to move his fingers up and down the piano effortlessly with skill (and even passion) and his belief that people who came to his shows "must have better pitch."

Rather than the classical piano bench, Folds had a stool. But for the majority of the night, he either balanced the stool on one leg or didn't sit down at all. He stood over the piano, feet apart, like a mad scientist in anticipation of an explosive substance. His fingers struck the keys with fervor, playing lydian blues that made me feel like I was drinking a pint and sitting with friends at a pub (the song, Piano Man, comes to mind). He played "some old shit" and some "new shit" and jumped around to songs that were hits across the board. He even pulled out two new songs from a collaboration album with fictional author, Nick Hornby. A song called "Levi Johnston's Blues," produced the most hilarity of note. The lyrics take a look at Bristol Palin's former (and political) fiance, Levi Johnston and the challenge he may have experienced being thrust into an unwanted lime-light. Whether he was pounding melodious keys on the piano, shaking a maraca against the microphone or improving wry ridiculous lyrics- Ben Folds showcased his plethora of talent as a musician.

What's more- is how he got the audience engaged. At several points during the concert; he played a series of notes in 3 and 4-part harmonies instructing the crowd to sing. Having grown up participating in choirs, the sound was immaculate. He would often stop in the middle or at the end of a song and conduct the crowd accordingly....mostly for fun and partly to add to the very essence of the song's intended sound.

The night was a success, for the musician and his fans. And in my expert opinion Ben Folds...and A Piano was insanely brilliant!