Thievery Corporation - Live KEXP 2016-10-05 (concert)

Two weeks ago Drew, Lian, and I saw Thievery Corporation in concert at the National in Richmond.  Drew had seen them many times, having lived in Adams Morgan some 20+ years ago, but it was a first for Lian and me.  It was also appropriate since I first learned of Thievery Corporation via Drew and the "Dubbed Out in DC" compilation LP, and I've been a big fan ever since.

I had often wondered how their DJ / electronic / studio focus translated into a live setting (for example, they did not do my favorite song "The Foundation", which perhaps is less suitable for live performance), but I was pleased with the result, with the changing cast of guest vocalists providing the necessary variety.  The bassist also high-stepped through the entire show, providing some on-stage movement to contrast with, for example, when the guitarist would sit on a couch and play the sitar.

The setlist for this show hasn't been posted, but this five song KEXP set captures the feel of what we saw two weeks ago, although in Richmond they did not have a horn section. In both shows Eric Hilton was not present and the best explanation I can find is this brief reference from the Phoenix New Times: "Hilton, who is not an enthusiastic live performer, opts to run his side of things from Washington..."




I need to eventually review "Dubbed Out in DC", "Sounds From the Thievery Hi-Fi", and some of their other classic LPs, but for now this KEXP sampler will have to do.