Originally, my inspiration for this post is that I have been so psyched at the number and variety of “real” instruments people are touring with. I dig electronic music just fine, but I’ve been totally into seeing something more “organic”.

Now, I thought about whether this was simply a case of nostalgia, but I don’t think that’s possible. I’ve seen plenty of shows. For the most part, anyone who wasn’t a band with big money or playing jazz, would opt for a keyboard, samples or a loop, rather then bring real horns or strings on tour.

Now, I’m perfectly willing to accept that Rock n’ Roll may not be the most precise musical adjective for all the cellists I’ll be talking about. However, since I’ve seen the cello make a showing four times in the last three months, you’ll excuse the generalization.

The first cello appearance was Alexandra Lawn with Ra Ra Riot when they opened up for the Editors back in September. This was the most rockin’ of the cello performances and an overall great show. They are very exciting live and I highly recommend catching them on December 15 at the Middle East. It is a benefit concert for the John Ryan Pike Memorial Foundation, their drummer who died in a tragic drowning accident.

The second appearance of the cello featured Linnea Weiss putting on a great performance with Mates of State at the MFA on October 25. In addition to the usual drums and keys, grand piano for this show, they brought in Linnea on cello and filled things out with Christian Owens on bass and backing vocals. Kori Gardner said during the show that this was the first time they ever used this arrangement, but you wouldn’t have been able to tell. It was outstanding.

Mates of State at The MFA

(As a side note, the accordion made a brief showing with Via Audio, who opened up that night. A great band who I’ve seen in two sit down shows, The MFA and an abbreviated set at Berklee. I can’t wait to catch them in a club show.)

The third cello appearance was with the Swell Season at the Orpheum on November 28. The Swell Season is the project of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, who you’ll remember from the movie “Once“. I had expected a standard arrangement of guitar, bass and drums to go along with the Hansard’s powerful strumming and Irglova on piano. Instead (apologies if I’ve gotten the name wrong) we were treated to Bertrand Galen on cello and Colm Mac Con Iomaire on violin. This was simply one of the best shows I’ve seen. Absolutely amazing and I can’t recommend seeing them highly enough.

So coincidentally, we start with an Alexandra on cello and end with an Alexandra on cello. As I wrote about in my last post, the most recent cello appearance was Alexandra Spalding with Annie Lynch & the Beekeepers. One of my favorite discoveries of the last couple months. There was another accordion appearance in this show as well. I’m very happy they had just cut their eponymous CD that night, because I picked it up and its been in regular rotation. “Next to Me” is gorgeous and probably my favorite on the album.

Annie Lynch & The Beekeepers at The Beehive, Boston

Clearly there’s lots that could be said about many other bands using instruments beyond the cello. Hell, as I mentioned, the accordion has been popping up quite a bit as well. But from Beirut to Polyphonic Spree folks are getting creative and I love it. Spoon even had a horn section in tow with them last week at The Orpheum. I just can’t wait to see it keep coming.

Ra Ra Riot

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mp3 - Dying is Fine

Mates of State

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Web Site

mp3 - Like U Crazy

Swell Season

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mp3 - Leave

Annie Lynch & The Beekeepers

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mp3 - Charlotte’s Web