The universe holds all of the sound that has ever existed. Vibrations crawling through time and space bumping into other vibrations and objects creating harmony and discord. Moving out amongst the crushing roar of young stars and the delicate whispers of the dust of dead ones until all that is, is done. Those are the thoughts that entered during composer Zachary Paul’s opening piece for Crook at The Echo this past Monday.
Daniel Crook, who heads Crook, is the hub of a wheel of creatives that surrounded him in this residency. Crook was dressed as a glamor fascist in a cross between military uniform and haute couture. Finding out what he is wearing is one of the things to look forward to at a Crook performance, but certainly not the only thing.
Also opening was dreamy Brass Box who perfectly transitioned the audience from the expanses of the universe to the birth of the world.
Crook was third in the line-up (headliner) and the night was slammed closed with a performance by Object as Subject who are fiercely female and whose pounding multi-drum beating announces they are not here for your gaze; they are here to fight.
Crook transformed The Echo with their performance, light show, and sound appearing so much larger than the local venue. It almost felt as if the audience had won access to a private show. Performances this put together should not be free, however, it was. And the free Crook performances will continued through November; Monday nights at The Echo.
Daniel Crook commanded attention not only with classic glamor, but with fantastic songs and a most mesmerizing stage presence. At one point he asked those in attendance to look at how beautiful they all were, and when someone called for an orgy Crook was quick to point out that California law prohibits such activity inside the bar but out in the street was fair game.
Crook demanded people to think what they were doing to help in the war that we are in, to think about the role they play. When a person shouted “changing the world” he knowingly added “I certainly hope so.”
Words & Photography: ZB Images
