One of the most satisfying concerts in recent memory was the Winterpills' CD release show at The Iron Horse back in October. The headliners were exquisite on their home turf, performing with verve every cut from their winning third release "Central Chambers," along with a smattering of old favorites served up with passion and just the right amount of playfulness.
But it was KaiserCartel's revelatory opening slot that made the show one of 2008's most rewarding. The Brooklyn-based couple, consisting of Courtney Kaiser and Ben Cartel, won over the crowd with their sublime harmonies, catchy songs, infectious onstage chemistry and musical versatility (he played drums and xylophone simultaneously, she used a hand-held milk frother on her xylophone). A perfect appetizer to the fulfilling Winterpills main course.
KaiserCartel's set was indeed a tasty surprise, though I had a notion that the full house was in store for a distinctive warmup while waiting on the line where I caught some buzz going around about the pair. Right next to me I overheard an exuberant young girl -- who looked to be about 11 -- gush that she couldn't wait to see her "music teacher play." After eavesdropping on her conversation, it became clear that she and her family had driven all the way up from New York City to see "Miss Kaiser" and her pal harmonize.
By the time their 40-minute set capped triumphantly with a
And I wasn't alone. KaiserCartel were impressive enough to the folks that run the Iron Horse that they quickly booked them again -- this time to headline the venue on Saturday for a 10 p.m. show -- much to the delight of the duo.
"We are so excited to be playing there again," said Kaiser in an e-mail. Cartel added "It is right up there in our favorite venues list."
Last year was a fruitful one for the pair of singer-songwriters who released both a full CD ("March Forth") in June and an EP ("Okay & Other Things We Feel"). They also found a number of friendly venues and new fans as they zig-zagged their way across the country.
"We played a lot of shows ... but we like it that way," said Kaiser. "When we play live, we try to reach every person intimately through our music. We want something to change for them after the show has finished. We love touring and playing for as many people as possible."
Before they were KaiserCartel, Courtney and Ben were separately pursuing solo careers when they happened to meet at a gig in the Big Apple. "We met at the Knitting Factory show that our two separate bands were playing," recalled Cartel. "We struck up a friendship and started playing shows together. Our audiences liked the music so much, we continued. ... As we play and record, we always become more familiar and comfortable with what we are doing. Our chemistry was very natural from the start, and it is strongest when we are in performance mode."
KaiserCartel's goal in performing is as simple as it is lofty. "When we play live, we try to reach every person intimately through our music," said Kaiser. "We want something to change for them after the show has finished. This is why we end the set with the serenade. It is a wonderful thing to look in each person's eyes and sing to them so close. It breaks the audience and performer barrier, and helps us have a personal connection with our audience."
