Concert Review: Nicole Atkins @ Mountain Winery, 7/20

I'm not sure why it has taken me over two weeks to post this review but here it is. (Actually, I do know why. The musical Altar Boyz - which I've been musically directing and playing keyboards for - opened this weekend and have been crazy busy with that.)

But here I am, reviewing Nicole Atkins because frankly it was one of the best shows I've seen in a while. It was also the coldest too. Naively forgetting my jacket was my biggest complaint for this concert that was held at Saratoga's Mountain Winery. Boy, was it chilly up there, but the view and backdrop for the concert was insanely amazing. Apparently the venue was recently renovated and they did an incredible job.

The stage is set-up against the old winery with the lights hanging crazily in midair. It was lit to perfection though. As the lights swirled in and around every crevice of the facade of this old building it became a magical show. Now, add Nicole Atkin's sultry voice on top of this and you couldn't have asked for a better show.

The funniest thing about this show was that no one even knew who she was, but everyone wanted to meet, buy her CD or a t-shirt afterward. I have never seen so many old couples in my life rocking it out for such a young artist. You see, all of them came to see the headliner, Chris Isaak, EXCEPT for me. I only came to see Nicole and I did and then I left. (Of course I stayed for a couple of Isaak's songs... I didn't want to miss the disgustingly flaming pink bejeweled suit that he came out wearing; it was atrocious.) The crowd was lame but to be expected for the venue and headliner. Nicole still worked it out making sure everyone knew who she was (repeatedly saying her name) and instantly convincing South Bay's elite that her powerhouse vocals need to and should be heard.

She sang through several of her songs off her latest album, Neptune City and each one was better than the one recorded on the CD. Her album does her no justice. Her music is meant to be listened to live. The energy that was brought to the music was intoxicating. If you ever get the chance to see Nicole Atkins and the Sea, make sure you do even if they aren't headlining. WE can almost guarantee that they'll be better than who's headlining. You'll regret it if you miss her.


Sorry that there are only pictures of Nicole and I - they wouldn't allow any pictures to be taken (even press)...so you have be subjected to crazy pictures of just Nicole and I.