Feist/Mates of State/Jason Collett @ Webster Hall

It was a crazy, unpredictable night at Webster Hall, all stemming from the life-force that is Leslie Feist. She assembled a unique mixture of musicians to make a collective that would make Broken Social Scene proud. First, you have roots rocker Jason Collett, then melodic power poppers Mates of States. She concluded the night with her unique blend of 70s singer-songwriter sensibilities.

From those who follow this space, I think Feist is the best female singer-songwriter making music today. Let It Die was the runner-up on my Top 5 albums of the year, so no need to kiss her butt again about how awesome she is. Check out a previous post from her September show.

Her stage lighting was minimal, making it seem more like a late-nite club from the 70s. From my prospective upfront, the reds and greens made her look like a KTel soft rock goddess like Carole King. It was wicked.

She was super charged tonight, goofing around with the audience and the band. She told a story about ships and lighthouse and how she feels about them. When she played her cover of The Bee Gee's "Inside & Out," she asked the audience to whip out their cell phones so that it would look like the old school lighter trick that no longer exists thanks to smoking laws. During one of her closing numbers, she brought a girl from the audience to slow dance with Jason Collett, who never bothered to put his beer down. That's a man with priorities. The mondo surprise of the night, a random tap dancer. Hmmmmm

She did two other covers tonight. One was her collaboration with Kings of Convenience, "The Build-Up". The other was the final number of the night, she brought out everyone to do a hyped-up version of Broken Social Scene's "Major Label Debut."

This was also my second time around with Mates of State. They test drove their new song "Fraud in the 80s" from their forthcoming album, Brink it Back. Maybe I didn't notice it last time, but Kori and Jason have this playful eye contact during their set. He would smile at her like she messed up and she would roll her eyes. They'll be in New York on April 12 at Bowery Ballroom.

Another BSS member, Jason Collett has got a great style. You can tell he borrows heavily from Robbie Robertson during his The Band years. He dresses in the old time, vintage suit with vest style. It gives him that worn in look. The music is vintage roots rock with alt-country tendencies. It's good slow-drinking in a dark place music. Feist joined him on drums for a few numbers.

Sorry this is short, but I'm beat. Plus, tomorrow I have to debate whether to drive to Philadelphia for Supergrass. I might expand this later, for now, enjoy the pictures.