I hit the road from Laguna with my girlfriend around 10:30 am on Monday, the day before the show. We drove about 400 miles up the coast to Carmel. It was an awesome drive. We stopped in at Kahuna Grill in Goleta on the way and had a yummy Island burger and chili rice; tasty grub and really friendly staff there. Also stopped to look at zebras near the Hearst Castle and found a neat little spot in Big Sur to stretch our legs, which was incredible, (but I’ll never tell you exactly where). Along the way I noticed a disproportionate number of newer Ford Mustangs going south on the 1.
We arrived at the Carmel River Inn around 5:30 pm. The actual cottage we stayed in was really neat and a great place to get away from the rat race of Orange County. The grounds and other cottages there are like a Hobbit town, and definitely worth a look if you’re planning to stay in the area. We immediately made friends with a local kitty named “Nikki.” The fireplace in the cottage (with wood) was soon ablaze, and was awesome.
The Day of the Show 4-10-12
Departed Carmel about 7:15 pm to Santa Cruz, up the 1, in the rain, which was somehow magical, and perfectly suited for the mood of the show. We made it to the Cocoanut Grove around 8:30 pm. FREE PARKING!!! : )
The Venue
It wasn’t raining in Santa Cruz as we arrived and waited in line for about 20 minutes, with an interesting mix of people; old and young, longhairs and shaved headed guys, etc etc… Both my gf and I noted that this was apparently the most well behaved group of concertgoers that we had ever seen. We got to the front of the line and security was checking everyone, but even through the pat down I got my self defense item in. Maybe they thought it was a cell phone. Hmmm… Not sure if I feel more secure, or less…
Up the old staircase we went. CG staff at some folding tables checked our ID’s and tickets, and stamped our hands. Then we slowly followed the herd into the ballroom, where the Entrance Band was laying down a very respectable groove.
The Ballroom
Mostly standing room, some chairs and tables in the back. The crowd looked like no more than about 100-200 people when we got there, growing as the night wore on, to maybe 400 or so.
If you believe in ghosts this place has that sort of feel; old, grand and sorta’ creepy, even when in line and surrounded by people. I find it interesting, and a bit surprising that this is such a big wedding location… I guess it isn’t as spooked out during the day.
Guess we missed the opener, so no comment on Alina Hardin.
The Bar
Drinks and beers were normal price range. $3-$6 or so. I had a couple passable drinks; at least they didn’t skimp on the booze like some places will, and the Lagunitas IPA’s were good. One good bartender, one douche (how hard is a dang Manhattan?).
The Bay View Room
We moved on to watching the waves through the series of large windows in the Bay View room. Very cool. Entrance Band is by now mostly instrumental with some occasional hoots.
Not sure if the Sun Room was open, we didn’t go in there if it was. Headed into the Ballroom as the Entrance Band was wrapping up. It seems that Hope demanded the ceiling lights be turned off prior to coming on stage, as my gf noted there was some frantic discussion of how to get that done just before they were turned off, and MS finally appeared.
Mazzy Star Takes the Stage
Everyone cheers! Awesome! We started out standing behind the sound guys, and then scooted up to just about 15 feet from Hope Sandoval. It was great because she was facing our side for a lot of the performance, so we got to see her really well. This is an intimate venue to be sure. Couldn’t be better. Standing basically right next to the speakers was loud, but not deafening through my beanie. Happy I wore it. No apparent hearing loss or ear issues. Maybe I was half deaf to begin with.
The Band AAAAA+++++
The crowd came to life as Mazzy Star took the stage in near darkness. It was basically black with blue light throughout the show, which was subdued, moody, and perfect.
There was little fanfare as the band ran through their set smoothly, precisely and with great musicianship. I didn’t hear an off note whatsoever, despite some feedback, which appeared to be annoying Hope at some points. It was fixed quickly, and they never missed a beat. I didn’t time it, but the set seemed just over an hour long.
I really enjoyed the slide guitar and pedal steel of the new songs “Lay Myself Down” and “Flyin’ Low.”
David Roback was as great as ever on guitar. This guy is the man. ‘Nuff said.
Great drums from Keith Mitchell. Solid. Tight. Great.
Nice keys from Suki Ewers. Sweet sounds, without a doubt.
Smooth bass from Paul McQuillan. Way to lay down the groove.
Good addition on guitar of Colm O’Ciosoig (from My Bloody Valentine).
Josh (?) was a new addition on pedal steel … awesome sounds! A great add for the band! My apologies, as I cannot find his name anywhere at the time of writing this.
Hope Sandoval How Did She Sound?
Opening with “Disappear,” Hope’s voice was absolutely spectacular, all the way through, until the last of “So Tonight…” This show rocked. Not exactly the same sounds as on the albums, but, (factoring in the emotional high of seeing her live), she sounded as good, or dare I say even better in person... more visceral and immediate.
Getting to hear Hope sing, in person, doing so many wonderful songs was like a perfect dream. Definitely worth every minute of the 1,000 miles I spent driving there and back, and every penny out of my account.
Recent Comparison
In comparison to the Coachella show broadcast on 4/13/12, I’d say she sounded much more relaxed in Santa Cruz. No surprise, given the relatively intimate location there, versus the sea of humanity that is Coachella.
A Brief Word to the Haters
First of all, let me say that Mazzy Star is a real band with real chops. There were NO backing tracks or lip sync BS whatsoever. This was a night of real talent and real music. No need for elaborate stage shows, pyrotechnics, or bizarre dance routines with 50 nameless backup performers when you already look and sound this good; my compliments to MS for not permitting any distractions from the aforementioned goodness.
Now, the people who complain about lack of interaction with the crowd, attitude, moodiness, the choice of songs, the darkness, the duration of the set list, the lack of tour dates or whatever need to shut up.
People! Recognize that Mazzy Star is not Lady Gaga! Hope Sandoval is not Madonna, or Nicki Minaj. Chill out!
In Search of the Meaning of Life
Here’s what you need to do: Find a Mazzy Star gig, if you can. Take the trip. Be a part of something special, and rare. Enjoy the show. Cheer for these amazing artists. Have a night you’ll never forget. And "Thank God" for Hope Sandoval.
What Instruments Did She Play?
Tambourine: Yes!
Maracas: Yes!
Harmonica: Yes!
How Did She Look?
Let me tell you bluntly, after finally getting to see her in person, Hope Sandoval is smoking hot.
The Set List
An interesting mix of mostly old and some new. Here’s the rundown, I loved all of it, but I starred***** my favorites of the evening. I suppose by now you can tell I’m a fan. These are just my basic stream of consciousness feelings on the songs.
Disappear. The first song I heard them do live. Amazing. So good. So, so good.*****
Blue Flower. This took me back to my youth for sure. Wow. Just wow. *****
Common Burn. A new tune. I like it. Will listen to it more for sure.
She Hangs Brightly. Interesting, and Doors-ish sounding live. More memories of younger days.
Ghost Highway. Now everything’s perfect. Too cool. YES. Thank you!*****
Ride It On. Amazing. Been waiting a lifetime to hear it live. Beautiful.*****
Spoon. Ahhh I don’t know this one but sounds good… still reeling from all of the above.
Fade Into You. Awesome. (Alright, so the “true fans” will say this is the one song you know if you’re not a “real fan,” but let’s face it, this was basically the only MS song on the radio, so it rocks, and more people probably have fond memories of this MS song than all the rest combined.*****
Lay Myself Down. Really liked this- first time hearing it. A new fave. Nice. Really nice.*****
Flyin’ Low. Great jamming song. Good to listen to. My gf really liked this one. I do, too.
Encore
Look On Down From the Bridge. Such sweet vocals on this one. Ooooh. Ahhhh. Nice instruments too. Wow. Really sweet way to wrap up with an old fave. I can’t believe this is real…*****
So Tonight I Might See. It reminds me of “the end” by the Doors, but Mazzy Star style. A fine finish. Cheers!
Band Merch
Saw a few different T-shirts when leaving the venue. I snagged a black XL; nice soft cotton. They seemed to be running out of some sizes by the end of the show.
Back to the Cottages
It was easy to get out of Santa Cruz (thank you Google Maps). We stopped to use the facilities at Jack in the Box, and then headed back to Carmel. Dark and overcast skies threatened, but no rain appeared, so we made it back in no time.
Oh yeah, got the new band shirt on, logged on to YouTube and started watching Mazzy Star videos, accompanied by tequila shots and beers. Lit the fire. Ahhhhh. What a great night. Thank you: Josh, Colm, Paul, Suki, Keith, David and Hope. Thank you.
TALENTMANIAC