Concert review: The Orbans, The O’s, and Sarah Jaffe for KXT’s one year anniversary (December 16)

It was nothing if not enchanting.

Courtesy of kxt.org

DALLAS — The evening was all about 91.7’s one-year anniversary, and listeners flocked to show their support for the publicly-sponsored local station. KXT built the lineup from only local bands – bands that can also be heard on their station. The Orbans, The O’s, and Sarah Jaffe were these splendid groups, and celebrate they did.

Peter Black, lead singer/songwriter of The Orbans

The event was hosted at Gilley’s, but not in the regular Western-style bar you’re accustomed to. A small stage was built in the corner of the restaurant downstairs (the Saloon), which enclosed everyone into a more intimate space. Each band received the same increment of time, confirming that this was a celebration more than a traditional lineup.

The Orbans kicked off the night with an acoustic set of their newest album, When We Were Wild. They took away the percussion, toning their usual electric sound down to a looser, more inviting set. Their singles like “Don’t Lose Yourself” and “Like a Liar” were played, and it was clear who the real KXT listeners were based on who knew the words.

The O's

The humble super group The O's was next. Anything but just a pair, John Pedigo and Taylor Young take on anything necessary to make their sound desirable. Each plays multiple instruments simultaneously, including the harmonica, bass drum, tambourine, and lap steel guitar. It’s amazing how easy they make multi-tasking look. The O’s graced us with their newest single, “We’ll Go Walkin.”

Their chemistry is connected; no moment is broken by misunderstanding or a wrong cue. The crowd elatedly sang the crowd favorite, “I Love You So Much.” As the blood in our veins became parallel to the beat, The O's were done.

Melanie Gomez

Sarah Jaffe

Sarah Jaffe breezed in next with only her guitar case. We were given a solo session! From the first strum, the room was shoulder-to-shoulder, ready for this promising set. The songs chosen mirrored her favorites and regulars. “Vulnerable” and “Before You Go” are a few; both have a deeper pull acoustically and help colorize the pained admissions.

Because she doesn’t muddle her music with too many effects, an acoustic set is effortless and at times even more gratifying from Jaffe. Her paused vocals and calm humming turned the saloon into a hushed coffee shop on open mic night. She felt comfortable here.

These are the shows that can’t be missed by such a local star; these jewels aren’t shared with the nation on tour. When the sudden finale was at hand, Jaffe asked everyone to come as close to the stage as possible and sing background. The crowds weren’t strangers anymore, we were common music fans experiencing the same enchanting evening.