Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants Live

Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants, The Far West & The Broken Numbers Band at the Satellite 6/20
By Gerry Gomez, Staff Writer

Among those enjoying a rousing, high energy honky-tonk set  by Foo Fighter guitarist Chris Shiflett with his band the Dead Peasants, a swashbuckling performance by the Far West, and a well crafted set of the Broken Numbers Band, was new found promoter Matt Farber (http://mattfarberproductions.com/), who took in the night and occasionally cracked a smile at the festivities of the first show he’s booked in town from top to bottom. Faced with changing the venue from the Troubador to the more neighborhoody Satellite in Silverlake, making a late addition to the bill by bringing in  Shiflett and caught up in wanting to please the crowd and bar, Farber kept his eye on the audience as much as the bands, trying to ensure a smooth sailing event.

From stomping to Shiflett, swaying to the Far West and singing along with the Broken Numbers Band, seemingly everyone in the crowd who came out specifically for the show enjoyed the night. Many friends stuck around chatting and singing at the nights end. Asked if he enjoyed himself, Farber paused to reflect, “As long as everyone is having a good time enjoying the music, that’s all I care about.”

Mission accomplished.

From The Far West who sounded as honed as ever with the more recent addition of James Williams on piano and organ and a constant schedule of shows, the unit performed like a well-oiled machine, their numbers from their stellar debut release taking new urgency with the addition of keys. It was a mix of the great crowd, and mix of great sound that elevated the Far West on this night. Speaking to some of the band members afterward, there was perhaps a greater motivation to perform for some of the friends that came out. They opened the show with their songs a blazing and reeled in the welcoming audience from the first down beat.

Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants who recently laid claim in La La Land with a headlining show at the Grand Ole Echo, picked up the middle set and provided high-octane honky-tonk featuring great sidemen, Marty Riffkin on pedal steel guitar and Luke Tierney on electric guitar. They came on like a hurricane and the storm never subsided until their last note. The new/old band is made up of long time friends, and their repartee with each other showed. Though blasting through their numbers with urgency, they played with an aplomb and joy that comes from knowing each other and each other’s traits second nature.

Wednesday’s closer, the Broken Numbers Band, were on their game as well, ready to pick up the baton in the evenings relay. All of their wonderful debut EP was performed (you can hear it at: thebrokennumbersband.com). To delightful effect, the band showcases their musicianship with Jacob Lipman playing organ and violin. And Mike Whiteside playing lead guitar and banjo. Among playing a variety of instruments, the BNB also varied up their set list when drummer Tyler Whiteside’s snare drum gave him problems. The group played Ryan Adam’s bluegrass tune “Pearls On A String” with some sweet harmonies – even from Tyler as he took the tune to fix up his drum. They closed the evening with a sing along of The Band’s “The Weight” with Lee Briante and Robert Black joining in on-stage with the hauntingly beautiful Leslie Stevens as well.

The well assembled crowd at the Satellite sang along and kept right on singing out the front door. It was a great “Hump Night” and we look forward to other events from Mr. Farber.

The Far West will  be performing at the El Rey on July 21 supporting Nick 13. For more information on The Far West visit: http://thefarwestband.com/

For more information on Chris Shiflett visit: http://www.chrisshiflettmusic.com

For more information on the Broken Numbers Band visit: http://www.thebrokennumbersband.com/

All photos by Nelson Blanton, http://www.stylehousepro.com