John Vanderslice dishes out a freebie at Amoeba

May 19, 4:33 PMSF Music Scene ExaminerKyle Fortinsky

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John Vanderslice (Photo: www.randybacon.com/blog)

Amoeba Records and John Vanderslice just make sense together. Local and established, both encapsulate San Francisco to a point; Amoeba with its historical significance and proud status, Vanderslice with his calm demeanor and thin appearance. The two came together Monday night as Vanderslice and his quintet performed a free, in-store show in support of his newest - and most polished - album, Romanian Names, set for release today.

Starting just after 6pm Vanderslice and his band eased their way into Amoeba's friendly surroundings, offering a few older tunes to set the tone. He then paused to thank Amoeba's staff, explaining the variety of backstage refreshments provided: "They gave us organic juices, goldfish, tea...is there anything better?" Band members were quick to add items he left out (strawberries, muffins) before dipping into the first new song of the set, the gentle "C & O Canal".

By the song's end a respectable, polite crowd had congregated among the aisles and CD stacks, prompting Vanderslice to continue his banter: "Everyone good? Everyone found their assigned   seats?" (Note: it's recommended to stand by the "French hip hop" section, as to avoid anyone perusing the stacks in front of you with no interest in the show). A few songs after this astute inquiry came the night's highlight. The band was working on a smooth, song ending jam when Vanderslice's fellow guitarist broke a string. The remaining four members continued the song's completion, then stopped abruptly once the string had been replaced. "You guys mind if we start that jam again?" asked Vanderslice. "I love the way it sounds with two guitars." The crowd happily complied, coming to the same conclusion by the end of the song's second take.

Vanderslice and his band continued well past the length one would expect out of an in-store performance, clocking in at just over an hour. The set list was generous, providing listeners with plenty of new songs, as well as older, unexpected tracks.

Amoeba Records is a surprisingly good locale for live music. The stage is elevated and the acoustics are generous. Also generous was the opportunity to purchase Romanian Names a day early from the 5/19 release date and have it signed by Vanderslice. For those unable to attend tonight's official CD release party at Rickshaw Stop, Monday's Amoeba appearance provided ample insight to Vanderslice's new material and cheerful stage presence.

Stream Romanian Names here, but buy it also.

Tour dates here

John Vanderslice - "Trance Manual"