I first heard of Kaki King through my obsession with another guitar virtuoso, John Renbourn. After listening to John for a bit, Kaki popped up as a recommendation on Youtube. I started listening to her music one day at work and had the random idea to see if she was on tour. Lucky me, she was coming to Kirkland in a few months. I mentioned the thought of going to her show to my girlfriend and then forgot about it.
Fast forward a couple of weeks and I had a terrible day at work. Alyssa surprised me and bought 2 tickets to see Kaki. I was thrilled to say the least. I was apprehensive as I normally only want to go to shows where I can stand, drink, rock out, and have a good time. This show “The Neck is a Bridge to the Body” is exactly what I needed and broke me out of my shell, all while sitting down! (albeit having a drink in hand)
Kaki had the audience’s attention the entire time, and the show is truly a unique experience. I would almost venture to say it was a once in a lifetime experience. I literally have no idea of how I could ever see anything remotely like it again. Images are projected onto her solid white guitar while she shreds and smacks the guitar to oblivion. in the back ground is a companion projection to whats playing on the guitar.
That’s not to say this is some crazy hardcore rock music either, most of her music is actually very soothing, but thats another thing she did so well. The balance of heaviness and softness was perfect, and the show even came with a perfect humorous interlude of a “movie” about her guitar being unique and not liked by other guitars. While the movie was playing, the guitar “spoke” through Kaki’s playing.
I realize reading back at what I wrote that that sounds very confusing but it is one of those things where you just have to be there. I would highly recommend this show to any diehard music lovers and show goers out there. It might be too weird for the mainstream (like my conservative dad or the girl you know who only listens to Imagine Dragons) but if you genuinely appreciate music, you’ll love Kaki King.
