ARI HEST at Cactus Cafe 4-2-09

After seeing BRUUUCE last night, it's hard to write about anybody else, but here goes.
Ari is out on tour in support of his latest, 12 Weeks. He had been traveling with a full band through the Midwest but once headed southward, the band went home. Instead, he had the opening act, Amy Kuney, help out on several songs, one of which they co-wrote.
First things first. The opener, Amy, is a 23 year old who was born in Oklahoma, at thirteen moved to Honduras and several years later came back to America, Hollywood! As you may imagine, she has stories to tell. Thoroughly enjoyed her. You seldom see opening acts who sell many cds after they play but she sold every single one she had with her. Good lyricist, writes well beyond her years and a cool voice. Plays guitar and piano.
Ari did a good 2 hour show. That guy can hit high notes you just can't believe. He really has a wide range. After the show Amy's manager asked him how he can possibly hit those notes and he replied "you just scrunch your nuts together and go." Makes sense to me! He and Amy singing together sound terrific. I hope they continue to work with each other.
Ari's songs are very introspective. I know you aren't supposed to assume the songwriter is writing about their life or themselves all of the time but I believe he does, for the most part, write what he lives. They seem awfully personal when he sings them.
The new record is a pretty cool thing. He spent 2008 writing a song a week. Think about that! If you were or are, part of his fan club, you can download all of them for $20. He then took 12 of those weekly songs and made an album.
So...for $12 we got to hear a really good, new young artist and then spend a solid couple of hours with an old favorite. Can't beat it.