Tilly and the Wall concert review
An experience all their own: Omaha quintet charmed Chicago on September 13
By Jennifer Sabella
Published: September 21st, 2005 | 2:54pm
When I first saw the five-piece Omaha project that called themselves Tilly and the Wall, I was blown away. I didn’t think it could get much better — the tap dancer, cute outfits, and band mates who seemed to enjoy not only being onstage but just being together.
Armed with enthusiasm, cutesy lyrics, and an unparalleled energy, Jamie Williams, Derek Pressnall, Neely Jenkins, Nick White, and Kianna Alarid once again left the crowd smiling after their performance at Chicago’s Abbey Pub on September 13, 2005.
Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst recently sent some acts from two of his record labels, Team Love and Saddle Creek, on a tour, bringing together musicians who may not have toured together under most circumstances. Former Azure Ray vocalist-bassist-celloist-everything-ist Orenda Fink recently released her solo album, Invisible Ones and opened for the Tilly crew. Fink, true to form, played beautifully, her soft voice and mellow rhythms adding a much-needed sense of calm to an otherwise busy lineup. Non-Creekers Neva Dinova and David Dondero also contributed some testosterone to the mix, making for an all-together amazing lineup.
When Tilly and the Wall hit the stage, the crowd moved from the bar toward the front of the stage. As soon as Williams set her tap platform on the stage, anticipation filled the room. From the sweet, intoxicating voices of Alarid and Jenkins to Pressnall’s off-the-wall stage presence, the Tillies are an experience all their own.
The set list covered tracks from 2004’s Wild Like Children along with some new songs. “Reckless,” “The Ice Storm, Big Gust, And You,” and “Nights of the Living Dead” were some crowd favorites, but it was difficult to find anything not to enjoy about the show.
Tilly and the Wall have a style all their own — Williams’ tap dancing is much more entertaining than any drummer I’ve seen, and it’s impossible to keep from grinning when Alarid can barely open her mouth without a huge, adorable grin.
There’s something about seeing Tilly that makes you fall in love with each of them. Maybe it’s their style and their apparent gratefulness to the audience — or maybe it’s their Midwestern charm. Whatever the case may be, I highly suggest checking out Tilly and the Wall when they pass through your town. Words don’t do them justice.
Issue #28
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