Ray’s Vast Basement
Feature Review
Dec. 5, 2007



The first time I saw Ray’s Vast Basement take the stage I was immediately intrigued. I really had no idea what to expect from the ensemble except that a reliable source had told me I would like them. After seeing their backline on stage, I leaned over to my companion and whispered: “Two acoustic guitars and a turntable…fucking awesome.”

The performance that followed was both unforgettably good and consistently surprising. It was also easily one of my favorite live music experiences to date. During Ray’s Vast Basement’s set I decided to express my newly formed passion for the group by sending a mass text message to my friends, as I often do when carried away in the moment of live musical bliss. I wanted everyone to share in my experience.

Ray’s Vast Basement is a gypsy-like rotating ensemble lead by Jon Bernson, a front man who bears a clear resemblance to Tom Waits: Bernson’s slightly gruff vocal style weaves in and out of songs that tell sad tales of struggle and longing. But Bernson’s voice is sweeter than Waits’ in both tone and message; his throaty whispers choke out far less gravel.

Bernson and crew were commissioned by the Actors Theatre of San Francisco to craft songs based on John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men and then perform them live during the troop’s performances of a play based on the novel. After the close of the successful show, the band went to work on Starvation Under Orange Trees, an album that is heavily inspired by Of Mice and Men but encompasses the entire works of Steinbeck.

Steinbeck is an author who made his first burning impression on me in 7th grade with his short story “The Red Pony.” The story evoked an emotional response I wasn’t at all prepared for in my pre-adolescent phase. “The Red Pony” is one of many early literary discoveries that influenced my decision to become a vegetarian at 16. Interpreting such heavy literary prose into song is not an easy task, but Bernson, with his Waits/Springsteen style of storytelling, seems to have been perfect for the challenge.

Starvation Under Orange Trees is eerily accurate in its depiction of the rolling countryside and the endless lament of depression-era farmhands. It is almost cinematic in its scope, each song being so delicately and precisely layered that it takes more than one listen to unravel its secrets. The haunting backing vocals on “The Story of Lee” strike me at my core and sound as though they are echoing down from above the rest of the song. The period mark can barely be heard via a flash of horns on “Black Cotton” and a hint of ragtime on “Danny’s Party.” The repetitive hum of “Work Song” is extremely effective in evoking the image of sweat-stained, dusty workers.

Ray’s Vast Basement delivers a folky, organic rock guided by a strong narrative. Starvation Under Orange Trees, with its heavy subject matter and jumble of talented contributing musicians, could have ended up an incongruent mess, but, thanks largely to the vision and orchestral talent of Bernson, the album succeeds in both its thematic and musical concepts. Bernson is clearly a huge talent as a singer, songwriter, producer, arranger, and visionary. The album will grab hold of you and just won’t let you go.

But again, I can’t express how taken I was with the live performance of Ray’s Vast Basement. I recommend if you are lucky enough to have the chance to see them live, you do so again and again. Two acoustic guitars and a turntable…enough said.

[Katie Kaapcke]

Ray's Vast Basement will be playing on Jan. 12th, 2008 at Café Du Nord. Thao With The Get Down Stay Down and The Dry Spells are also playing. Don't miss this show!!!
 

[STREAM] Ray's Vast Basement: Various Tracks