Photos/Writer: Rudy Lu

Like all birthday celebrations, Tracy Bonham‘s birthday was a look back and a look into the future. For those who don’t know who Tracy Bonham is, she rose to fame as an independent singer songwriter in the late 90s. She was part of the Lilith Fair Tour of woman singer songwriters. Her hit single “Mother, Mother” on the complex relationship between a runaway daughter and her mom was from her debut album in 1996.

Since those times, Tracy’s involvement in the music industry has continued. It was hard for her to top her commercial success in the 90s, although she remained active touring with Blue Man Group as well as continuing her recording career as a solo artist with various small labels and self released recordings.

Always a bit eclectic, the evening’s performance reflected the difficult to categorize. She was backed by crack jazz musicians bassist Rene’Hart and drummer Alvester Garrett who were both enjoying the experience. Tracy’s formal musical training was in classical violin and piano from Berkeley School of music. She is self taught in electric guitar. She used both electric guitar and piano for this celebration.

The opener was a rocker “Jumping Bean”. She ironically used her angry song “Don’t Dick Around With My Heart” for showcasing her classical chops on piano.This was followed by the vunerable “Naked”. She rocked us out with her hit of the anguished “Mother, Mother”.

The audience was then treated to her a preview of her yet to be released single “Damn This Sky for Being Too Wide”. Her meditation that occurred duringCovid while taking a walk and feeling the isolation and depression many of us experienced during that recent time.

Among the other new songs on your yet to be released album had a look back to the early stages of the Internet. Including “MySpace” performed on solo electric guitar and “Should I Hit Send” was that debate when hesitating to send an angry email diatribe.

The closer was “Eyes” which Tracy scatting what would have been a lead guitar solo if there was a full band. Her two accompanists were musician’s musicians. They lent enough notes to help her fully express her songs with very little ego. Not a note more, not a note less.

The performing season at the Local will continue until June 26th. The ending performance is from the Ukranian supergroup Dakhabrakha, if you have not caught this band do. They have appeared in the area several times and cannot be missed. For further information, please click here.

Setlist:

Jumping Bean, Give Us Something to Feel, Don’t Dick Around with My Heart, Naked, Devil’s Got Your Boyfriend; Mother, Mother, Wilting Flower, The Indelible Man, Dear God, Should I Hit Send?, Second Wind, Whether You Fall, The Uncertain Sun, Eyes

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