Greg McLoughlin - Review - Ollabelle - The Living Room, NYC 1/20/04

Last night I went to see Ollabelle for the second time, at the Living Room on the lower east side. Ollabelle is a collection of several of the most talented vocalists and musicians from New York City. Several of them put behind their solo careers, to form a group that has more talent than any other single group that I have seen emerge from New York City in recent history.

Ollabelle's six members, only one of which does not play an instrument on stage, have six absolutely gorgeous voices, which together, can stand tall against great vocal groups of any generation. This is not only demonstrated when they all sing in harmony, but also when five of the members each sing their own songs. Even the drummer sang a song, and he did so magnificently.

Like the first time I saw them, Ollabelle started their show with an a'cappela gospel number. All six members gathered around two microphones and belted the opening song (title of which I can't recall), in perfect pitch and harmony, with emotion that rivals all other professional gospel performances I have witnessed. Afterwards, they grabbed their instruments, and went into a haunting and beautiful rendition of the Rolling Stones' classic, "I am Waiting." In addition to the beautiful vocals of Fiona McBain and Amy Helm on this number, guitarist Jimi Zhivago contributed eerie and tasteful guitar work, which added to the atmosphere perfectly.

During the rest of Ollabelle's varied set, bassist Byron Isaacs and Keyboardist Glenn Patscha each contributed their own songs. Did I mention that every member of this band can SING? Further description of their perfect voices is unnecessary. Let's just say my jaw dropped several times.

Byron Isaac's bass playing suits Ollabelle perfectly. His basslines are simple, effective, and soulful, providing the perfect atmosphere to complement drummer Tony Leone and the rest of the band. Tony, who I have seen backing several other bands, plays in a variety of unique styles that are appropriate for the different songs.

Glenn Patscha is an amazing musician who swaps between piano, organ and even Wurlitzer (for some of the "dreamier" numbers). Glenn plays gently and soulfully, and when it is his turn to take a solo, he rips it up.

Front and center, are singers Fiona McBain and Amy Helm. Damn them girls have soul! What else can I say?

Yeah, Ollabelle has their sh*t together!

Ollabelle are playing several shows in the eastern United States during the next couple of months. Observing the vibe within the band, the sheer talent, and the awesome chemistry, I have no doubts that they are going to be around for a long time.

If you're interested in more detailed biographical information, Click Here.

Their official web site is www.ollabellemusic.com

Otherwise, see you at the next show!

	Ollabelle - The Living Room, NYC 1/20/04

	Last night I went to see Ollabelle for the second time, at the Living Room on the lower east side. Ollabelle is a collection of several of the most talented vocalists and musicians from New York City. Several of them put behind their solo careers, to form a group that has more talent than any other single group that I have seen emerge from New York City in recent history. Ollabelle's six members, only one of which does not play an instrument on stage, have six absolutely gorgeous voices, which together, can stand tall against great vocal groups of any generation. This is not only demonstrated when they all sing in harmony, but also when five of the members each sing their own songs. Even the drummer sang a song, and he did so magnificently. Like the first time I saw them, Ollabelle started their show with an a'cappela gospel number. All six members gathered around two microphones and belted the opening song (title of which I can't recall), in perfect pitch and harmony, with emotion that rivals all other professional gospel performances I have witnessed. Afterwards, they grabbed their instruments, and went into a haunting and beautiful rendition of the Rolling Stones' classic, "I am Waiting." In addition to the beautiful vocals of Fiona McBain and Amy Helm on this number, guitarist Jimi Zhivago contributed eerie and tasteful guitar work, which added to the atmosphere perfectly. During the rest of Ollabelle's varied set, bassist Byron Isaacs and Keyboardist Glenn Patscha each contributed their own songs. Did I mention that every member of this band can SING? Further description of their perfect voices is unnecessary. Let's just say my jaw dropped several times. Byron Isaac's bass playing suits Ollabelle perfectly. His basslines are simple, effective, and soulful, providing the perfect atmosphere to complement drummer Tony Leone and the rest of the band. Tony, who I have seen backing several other bands, plays in a variety of unique styles that are appropriate for the different songs. Glenn Patscha is an amazing musician who swaps between piano, organ and even Wurlitzer (for some of the "dreamier" numbers). Glenn plays gently and soulfully, and when it is his turn to take a solo, he rips it up. Front and center, are singers Fiona McBain and Amy Helm. Damn them girls have soul! What else can I say? Yeah, Ollabelle has their sh*t together! Ollabelle are playing several shows in the eastern United States during the next couple of months. Observing the vibe within the band, the sheer talent, and the awesome chemistry, I have no doubts that they are going to be around for a long time. If you're interested in more detailed biographical information, Click Here. Their official web site is www.ollabellemusic.com Otherwise, see you at the next show!

	photos courtesy High Road Touring