Bobby Long - World Live Cafe, Philadelphia, PA - March 4,2011

British singer-songwriter-guitarist Bobby Long's anticipated debut studio album 'A WINTER TALE', produced by Liam Watson (White Stripes) will be released February 1st, 2011 on ATO Records. Currently residing in New York City, the 24-year old Long has been writing finely-crafted songs since taking up the guitar at age 17; from then on he's been creating memorable songs inhabited by hauntingly poetic lyrics. After relocating to London from the countryside of South West England, he became a fixture at London's open-mic nights while attending London Metropolitan University where he studied Music in Film and wrote his thesis on The Social Impact of American Folk Music. He quickly established himself on the local open mic circuit, finding his voice and beginning to develop songs characterized by catchy melodies paired with elusive, imaginative lyrics. via Bobby Long Official Site

 On March 4th I had the chance to go see Bobby Long at the World Live Cafe in downtown Philadelphia. It was my first time there, as well as seeing him live. The venue was small and intimate. Dark colors with an amber glow to the room. My friend and I arrived early, thinking it would be somewhat packed. It wasn't. An opening band played, similar to Bobby's style, and I actually quite enjoyed them. (I apologize that I do not remember the name of the band.) After two beers, and a lot of waiting with Twilight Moms surrounding us (Bobby Long is the Twilight actor, Robert Pattinson's, good friend) Bobby finally hit the stage. And it was a-maz-ing. I wish I wrote this sooner so that I could remember what song he opened with, etc. I swear I'd forget body parts if they're weren't attached. He sang with such emotion that you could almost feel what he was feeling when he wrote the song. And that ladies and gentlemen is how you write music, good music. I've been to many concerts in my life and I can honestly say that this ranks in the top 3, maybe even takes the number 1 spot. Bobby Long performed harder than a lot of people I see out there. He barely made eye contact with the crowd, most of the performance his eyes were closed. He did interact a bit by talking in-between songs, most of which I couldn't make out all that well. (His British accent is heavy). I've also never saw a man sweat as much as he did. Every time he moves a shower of sweat would shake from his hair. And it definitely added to the atomosphere.  You haven't seen a real music performance until you go to the World Live Cafe.

Some of the highlights for me were Bounty of Mary Jane which included a pretty long jam session and Dead and Done. It is my favorite song he has written so far. Luckily for you, my friend video recorded three songs (two of which are the above mentioned) and another one In the Frost. She also recorded some of his talking between songs, but hasn't uploaded that yet. Bummer.

Dead and Done:

Bounty of Mary Jane:

In the Frost:

Great, right? Even if you're not into the folky/acoustic thing you can't deny the kid had talent. 

After the show, my friend and I decided to wait outside to see if we could meet Bobby. We waited probably about an hour and a half to realize the tour bus we were at was not his. I jokingly had told my friend that we should have followed the Twilight Moms. She said, "Why would they have the inside information?" We laughed, and started walking to our car. Then as we walked over an overpass and looked down what did we see? The Twilight Moms standing next to the tour bus. I turned and yelled, "See I told you!" and we followed the steps down to the street. The Twilight Moms left about 5min after we got there. And about 10min later who do we see walking out of the venue but Mr. Bobby Long himself. There were two girls there besides us who got to him first. Talked to him about nonsense, gave him a hat, I dunno. He seemed like he just wanted on that bus. I walked up and completely lost my ability to speak. My friend asked him for a quick picture (thank god) and he said, "If we can make it really quick. I'm freezing my fucking ass off!" (In sexy British accent). And he wasn't lying. He was literally shivering when he put his arm around me. (HE PUT HIS ARM AROUND ME!). Afterwards I managed to blurt out that his show was awesome and he said, "Thanks. Thanks for coming out." He got on the bus, and I tried to hold my composure until we were out of sight. Then proceeded to be cheesy like a 15yr old girl. Here's the pic:

CHEESE :D