This past Sunday I saw “That 1 Guy” live – which was pretty impressive. He’s been around for years, but I had only heard of his existence 2 weeks prior to the show. This one-man band packs a lot of charisma, innovation, and remarkable sound – both vocally and musically. Mike Silverman doesn’t just play 1 instrument, he plays 3, but his “magic pipe” could be considered a wealth of musical devices at his disposal. Essentially, Silverman’s magic pipe is analog synth, percussion, and bass all wrapped up in bolts and aluminum pipes, and then rigged to remind us that curiosity can still exist in whimsical lyrics and rhythmic thuds. Throughout his performance I was half amazed with his ability to create such a clean, inventive use of tonal ranges both vocally and instrumentally. But my other half was amazed on the structure itself. It’s monstrous, yet so elegant depending on whether he’s goofing off with a funkadelic, elecrontic beats or creating some mid-tempo, graceful jazz melodies. Silverman’s ability to intertwine both musical spectrums through his almost 2-hour set is a unique ability. His personality complements his music – nothing he throws out should be taken without a smile. He’s a serious musician, a clever lyricist, but a very goofy guy on stage--he quacked a sock duck throughout his set--after all, his other two instruments are a boot and a hand saw; a device I can get behind. Before you jump onto YouTube, I suggest you give him a listen with your eyes closed, and then be amazed by the sound Silverman produces with his “magic pipe.” You will be sorry you were not 1 of 40 people at Sunday’s show. There should have been a crowd.
