Concert Review: The Alternate Routes/ Red Wanting Blue Made Music Jam At Rockwood NYC
Santa Claus did not need to show up at The Alternate Routes/ Red Wanting Blue show to give us yuletide blessings and a good time. Their energy might as well be stuffed like a Christmas stocking, of which Scott Terry and Tim Warren vocally lead in making sure we all stay above and warm over their fireplace of songs. Seeing these bands combine and play with glee and humility, once again, reminded me of the Christmas spirit.
From Ingrid Michaelson to Pentatonix, SO MANY artists are trying to capture the holiday spirit in their songs. I have been open that this Christmas, for me, did not feel “Christmasy” enough. Maybe, it is just me. Yet, watching The Alternate Routes/ Red Wanting Blue course through tracks like, “No More”, “Sea of Old Friends”, “Somewhere In America”, and “Carry Me Home” ignited in me a retrospect of how Christmas is all about generosity and being brave enough to think kindness towards others before doubt. Honestly, I do not know one human being that is not, at first, skeptical of others’ intentions and ready to fight them. It is harder than ever to trust humanity, and believe that others would help you before they hurt you. Yet, most of this quartet’s songs and stories were in promotion of the fearlessness needed for kindness, and the choice to lead, not expect, in what you want from others: love. A Wise Advice! It is for this reason that I gained a sense of humility in their stringed arrangements and gusted voices, which felt like they were sand being picked up by wind; aerial yet earthy.
It is strange to hear virtue in music? For all the laughs, sing-alongs, and jokes passed around between the uniting bands, for me, the most important part of the night was their sincere faith that if we were just good to each other the world would be better. This is not a revolutionary thought, but it is so rarely heard that it hits your life like a spiritual revolution. As their lyrics seemingly decorated the room like Christmas lights, the crowd only grew more drawn by their performance. Honestly, these two groups should form a permanent union; they simply feel so right together. Maybe, they can call themselves the The Alternate Blues or Routes Wanting Red ? (Note: I am not a professional name-maker!) For More Information On The Alternate Routes Click Here And Red Wanting Blue Click Here.
