By Adam Signore

Let’s talk about Tal Wilkenfeld. I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Tal Wilkenfeld at City Winery Boston the other night and you know how you go into a show with expectations? Well I expected quite a lot and yet my mind was still totally blown! Tal never ceases to amaze.

Some Background on Tal Wilkenfeld

The Jeff Beck live crossroads video was ground zero for learning about Tal wilkenfeld for many of us. 1:30 into the video, boom… Mind begins to be blown.

It was strikingly clear from the first note of that solo that we were listening to an extremely talented musician. Said to myself I am going to keep an eye on this kid.

Interesting side note; Crossroads was not her first time on the big stage. The year before Tal was invited to play with the Allman Brothers @ The Beacon Theater. After deciding to leave high school and break out on her own some of the Allman Brothers caught her playing in a club and asked her to join them on stage!

On to the Show!

For the tal wilkenfeld show she had Owen Barry on guitar, Tamir Barzilay on Drums and Rachel Eckroth on keys. The band was tight, playful with lots of humorous moments in the show. The set list mainly stuck to the new album, which you should get ASAP BTW. Amazing live renditions of every tune off the CD, a very focused show so be expecting that on this tour and listen to the damn CD!

They threw in the Smiths cover “How Soon Is Now” and what a playful funny beginning to an awesome version of the song. “Girl From Ipanema” to some incredible freeform right into the song, breaking into The WHO’s “Can’t Explain” and back to the Smiths. Wow, what a pleasurable experience that was.

Tal Wilkenfeld – Love Remains CD

The offerings on Love Remains are a plenty. Storytelling, message, rock and melody, all immensely well done. The lyric writing throughout addresses so many facets of the human experience and is so right on IMHO. great depth throughout. For this album Tal spent time away from her comfort zone on bass and plays guitar also. Her singing voice is simply magnificent.

The CD starts off with a bang of a tune, “Corner Painter” and then takes you on a journey. Disparate styles blended together for a great experience.

Next up is “Counterfeit” a great meandering mellower song that gives great bridge.

The third tune on the CD “Hard To Be Alone” takes us on a rock journey that I am particularly connecting with. This tune drips Boston rock all over it but more than that it takes us on a journey that blends Patti Smith meets acid rock guitar meets King Crimson meets a nonexistent modern day Doors. Think “The End” if it were written today.

The title Track “Love Remains” is pure solid rock gold. Not even going to say any more, as is “Fistful of Glass”. “Under The Sun” a great sonic journey. “Killing Me” is pure awesomeness as are all the other tracks. Just got get this CD already.

Tal is known for her Jazz but this CD is a modern new rock experience. All said, if you don’t know Tal, get to know Tal. You’ll be glad you did.

Tip of the Hat to City Winery

Just want to thank City Winery Boston again for being so accommodating and also for providing a consistently top notch experience. Part of which is bringing incredible acts to the area.