Grizzly Bear were simply phenomenal Saturday night. The Wordless Music folks -- they of the series "that pairs rock and electronic musicians in an intimate setting with more traditionally understood classical and chamber performers" -- invited the band to play the NY Society For Ethical Cutlure building, a cozy, seated space with a church-like vibe up on 64th and Central Park West. "Thanks for coming. This is our first headlining seated gig in NYC," they said a few songs in. Guess that made it their first headlining standing ovation in NYC, too.
As mentioned, Grizzly's taking a well deserved year off from playing; this was to be their last proper show, with an appearance with backing choir set for Conan for tonight. Unfortunately, the O'Brien slot's been canceled due to the Writers Guild strike -- but really they couldn't have gone out on a better note. Before the show word got out that Paul Simon was introducing himself to the band backstage; during the show, Dan and Chris Bear encored with their singular take on "Graceland." Earlier, Paul told 'em he was soon curating a two-week music series at BAM featuring artists covering Simon songs. Good timing.
The NY Marathon was the next morning, so the surrounding streets were crackling with global tourists' excitement, fireworks in the sky, police keeping the peace, all of which made the reverent hush and awe of the SFEC building's that much more apparent and immediate, and Grizzly filled the space gorgeously. The awesome Friend EP was celebrated (check the quilt draped in back), the band opening with "Alligator (Choir Version)" without the choir or the brass fanfare, performing "Deep Blue Sea," and otherwise delivering a stunning set of Yellow House tunes. We've seen GB too many times to count this year; the first times you see 'em live after Yellow House leave a mark, but this was the most magical yet. They encored with a Beatles-y new song (set for the next album). "One of our best NYC shows," Ed later said. "So happy: sold out, great space and crowd, PAUL SIMON!" Nobody got Grizzly Simon pic, but pretty sure everybody'll remember it, even without one.
Few more notes: Not on the schedule yet, but the Wordless Music folks announced David Byrne would be back in that space for a WM show in February (keep your eye on the schedule). See the summer in Grizzly touring through Ed's eyes via his behind-the-scenes pics and commentary from the road at Harp and the Grizzly blog. Stream the excellent Friend EP in full at MySpace. NYT and Ryan Schrieber love it, understandably. And expect this one to place high on Stereogum's Favorite Live Gigs of '07. Jump for more pics.
