The name Chris Pandolfi alludes to a certain familiar twang. TRAD+ obliterates those preconceived notions. This electro-duo is completed with Nick Falk on drums. He alone is mesmerizing to watch on the kit, but Pandolfi is taking on the duel role of banjoist and DJ. I use the second term loosely, he utilizes some pre-constructed rhythms and melodies to fill in the gaps.
The beginning of his set featured a lot of textural sounds with Pandolfi adding his electric banjo to the mix. Musically he bounced between genres like a motivated Ping-Pong ball. The produced elements varied from thick arrangements to a single bass line with Falk and Pandolfi playing along. They made the interesting choice of performing Fatboy Slim’s “Praise You” as well as a tripped out rendition of The Infamous Stringdusters’ “Fork In The Road.” TRAD+ has come a long way since Pandolfi’s embryonic days at The Armoury standing next to his computer.
TRAD+ has a fully fleshed out sound that tosses expectations to the wayside in search of a different theme. Keep an eye on TRAD+ I have a feeling this could turn into a pretty epic late night show at The Festy one day soon.
After a quick change, the Kyle Hollingsworth Band came to Hodi’s stage. Kyle himself came bearing the cupcakes that he made at Kim and Jake’s Cakes. They were pretty tasty. Jason Hann emerged with the group and joined in on the first instrumental jam of the evening, “Racer X.”
Set 1: Racer X, I Can’t Win, Beta#, Boo Boo’s Pik-a-nik*, Here We Go, Everything Is New, Beautiful People, Way That It Goes, You’ve Got The World
Set 2: Peregrino, It’s Happening Now, Falling Through The Cracks, Piece of Mine, Can’t Wait Another, Ordinary, Let’s Go Outside> Eminence Front> Let’s Go Outside
Encore: Balloon Boy, Rosie
#Untitled, composed during sound check
*w/ Chris Pandolfi
Jason Hann added a heavier percussive element to the sound overall. The song “Beta” was written during the sound check.” Kyle informed us it was in the ‘beta-testing’ phase. The pop-leaning funk fueled a dance party that went the entire show. Long time guitarist Dan “Schwinty Rock” Schwindt mesmerized the audience with his pinpoint accuracy on the guitar. Pandolfi returned for barn stomping version of “Boo Boo’s Pik-a-nik” Their now classic “Way That It Goes” featured some extensive jamming with Kyle getting dirty on the keyboard. They closed the first set with a solid “You’ve Got The World” off their latest album, Speed Of Life.
The Kyle Hollingsworth Band returned with a massive “Peregrino.” I’d love to see The String Cheese Incident take on this song as it has be an incredible jam vehicle for KHB. The band pivoted into the electro pop track “It’s Happening Now.” They got funky with “Falling Through The Cracks” before returning to their roots with “Piece Of Mine.” Kyle treated us to his ode to impending parenthood “Can’t Wait Another Day.” He closed with a “Let’s Go Outside” sandwich that featured The Who’s 80’s power hit “Eminence Front.” The audience sang Kyle Happy Birthday as he exited the stage. KHB encored with a one two punch that included “Balloon Boy” and the heavy hitter “Rosie.”
While Dave Watts and Garrett Sayers are largely out of the picture now, Kyle continues to push on in new and exciting ways. He focuses on a pop infused funky sound that delights crowds wherever he performs. This yearly excursion to Fort Collins is quickly becoming a tradition for Northern Colorado. The show was completely sold out in advance. Hodi’s held back twenty or so tickets and by the time doors opened at 8 PM those were gone instantaneously. This concert may have been the last time Kyle can play Hodi’s just based on ticket demand. Whatever happens next year I’m glad KHB continues to put on exciting, intimate shows where anything is possible. The show in Fort Collins was an absolute blast.]]>
