speed of dark

The first band on the bill at last Friday's show at the Glass House in Pomona was Phoenix and the Turtle, whose members come from the lovely little cities of Redlands and Yucaipa in the large area east of Los Angeles known as the Inland Empire. The band name is derived from a poem published in 1601 and attributed to William Shakespeare, recounting the ill-fated love between a phoenix and a turtle-dove (both winged, not hard-shelled, creatures). This rather old-fashioned name suits the baroque style of the band's melodies.

Cahn and Mikie Curtis--Click small pictures for larger images

Their influences show a high level of ambition: Blonde Redhead and the Album Leaf. Phoenix and the Turtle's songs contain long instrumental introductions and interludes, but they probably employ more vocals than the Album Leaf does. The overall effect is sweet, lush, and delicate.

Valerie Curtis

Band members are the Curtis brothers Cahn (lead guitar, keys, and vocals) and Mikie (drums), and Bill Barrington (bass). Cahn's wife Valerie Curtis adds vocals, keyboards, and violin--and magic. I think Valerie's skills add the magic that gives this band their own special sound. Tall, slim, and kind of regal in bearing, her precision and serious focus gives away the fact that she's had formal classical music training.

Left to right: Cahn, Bill, and Valerie

Luckily, they are not always serious. During a brief equipment malfunction, Bill entertained the audience with a joke. I won't give it away here in case he has to use it again sometime. I teased him after the show about being disguised as a middle-school teacher in his tie and cardigan, and he took it with good humor.

Phoenix and the Turtle have already garnered favorable reviews from My Old Kentucky Blog and 5 Acts. This is a favorable review too, in case you hadn't noticed. I bought this CD right after the show.

From Asleep In America (2007):
Phoenix and the Turtle: The Man Who Was Death
Phoenix and the Turtle: The Trap

These MP3s are ripped at 192 kbps for the quality they deserve. Listen also to "Pianos" on their MySpace page. You'll love it.

MySpace | Virb | iTunes | eMusic

Other bands at this concert:
Land of Talk
the Rosebuds