José González

I'm a big fan of José González and Junip. José was fairly reserved and sat still holding one of his two nylon string guitars. Actually I was expecting him to be subdued and have very little interaction with the audience. He sang many of his well known songs, some I didn't recognize and a haunting cover of Massive Attack's "Teardrop" (which is already haunting).

The Goteborg String Theory orchestra were something else though: 20-piece with horns, strings, guitar, keyboards, piano and a formidable percussion section. Everything was highly miked up. At times the violinists would hold up their instruments to sing into the attached tiny mics. The conductor wore all black, socks and a hoodie, which he sometimes put up over his head. He often crouched on the floor during songs that didn't require him. Otherwise he was basically dancing and sweating like crazy. His personal piece de resistance was what can one be described as a "lead electric drill" performance!

Mostly José was backed by the orchestra and many of the numbers were too loud for the space. Bass overwhelmed the small Bing hall. The orchestra all seemed multi-talented and really happy to there, which was nice to see. There were a couple of percussive interludes which I found a bit pretentious but others might consider "avant guard". My personal favorite song was "Heartbeats".

Whether in front of 200, or 2000 people, the gentle, enigmatic voice of José González doesn’t showcase any better than during his solo onstage performances. Comfortably propped up on stage, low lighting, sitting lonely in front of the microphone with his acoustic guitar in hand, the Swede’s Argentinean roots come out subtly as he gently strums his guitar–Spanish-style– in between hits like Crosses and Lovestain. His most diverse instrument, however, is his voice, with a soft but powerful timbre that characterizes his music into a soft pop, acoustic rock category all its own.
Without a full album release since 2007’s In Our Nature, Gonzalez plays hits from both his last album and 2003’s Veener, which features his critically acclaimed cover of The Knives’ Heartbeats, a staple in almost every set list. Taking a break from his solo career after In Our Nature to reform with Junip, his indie folk rock counterpart, the trio released an album in 2010 which occasionally finds its way into González’s solo sets. His performances are introspective and humble, solitary but completely captivating, giving you the feeling of a voyeur watching an intimate moment between an artist and his instrument. Regardless, it’s his unique voice that lets you in and makes you feel like you’re a part of that moment.

Write your review of José González here...Imagine yourself in one of the most dependable places for acoustics, sitting on a bench, dimmed lights, and the strumming of a guitar paired with flawless vocals. For me this was sitting in a church watching Jose Gonzalez sitting on a metal chair with his acoustic guitar, playing songs from his album Veneer.
His set included “Crosses,” “Stay In The Shade” and “Slow Moves.” The most memorable though, was his performance of The Knife’s “Heartbeats.” I will never forget the first time I heard his song on a TV show, and to have the chance to see him perform it live was wonderful. His interpretation of the song gives it a new identity, almost as if it was not a cover at all. The intimacy of the show allowed for a more personal experience; you could close your eyes and take in the perfect acoustics or you could keep them open and really appreciate Gonzalez guitar skills. Either way, the show was super enjoyable from beginning to end. The setting also allowed for him to communicate with the audience more, taking time to speak about his songs.
Less is more, and for Jose Gonzalez, the simplicity of his performance is nothing short of perfection.

Does the fact José González often choose to perform solo onstage add to the gentle heartbreak of his music? It is difficult to say but it definitely creates a mood as you witness the lone stool illuminated as the singer takes his place, stares into the microphone and bares his soul in his hushed tones.

His Argentinian roots and Swedish upbringing have made for interesting cultural influences and a variety of stories which add to his music. A true believer of less is more, he barely acknowledges the audience throughout the show but this is not through lack of manners but more so through desire for solitude. It almost feels as if José was to break from this mindset he would not deliver tracks such as 'Crosses' and 'Lovestain' with the same level of quiet compassion.

An engaging performer without ever having to engage, the audience watch on as he rattles through a setlist made up heavily of 2003 release 'Veneer'. His somber cover of The Knife's 'Heartbeats' receives a huge round of applause from the crowd and despite his reserved nature, he does allow a small smile to escape.

Amazing free concert in Hollywood FL. Jose sounded great - he played with two percussionists, one acoustic guitar/vocals, and another vocal/keys/synth(?).

It was a little hot and the food trucks took forever, but all in all a great atmosphere for the show.

I was impressed by the turnout. Makes me wonder if people came because:
- it was free
- they know Jose from the radio
- Online Radio is making such an impact now that it doesn't matter what local music scene is like! (this is how I discovered Jose)

My wife made a comment that all of his songs sound pretty similar, and I must agree. However it is a great style of music and I love all the songs, it can just seem a little blurred after listening to such similarity for a whole set. I would recommend throwing in a couple creative covers with a slightly different style to mix things up.

I would go back to this venue and I would definitely see Jose again!

What an excellent way to kick-off the 2017 year of gigs and concerts! Having purchased the tickets so far in advance the concert itself came somewhat as a surprise, but both Jose Gonzalez and The String Theory, both of which were first-time heard live, did not dissapoint. Despite the rush seating, my fiancee and I managed to grab seats on the floor, and didn't feel as if we were being squeezed into too small of a space. The Melkweg was an ideal space, and you can see how well its multi-purpose function is realized holding the sounds and atmosphere perfectly. All of Gonzalez' familiar songs, Heartbeats, Crosses, Cycling Trivialities were all played, including some from his latest album. They are as moving live as they are in the comfort of my own home. Highly recommend them.

Lovely, if very relaxed show. Ymusic was a nice complement to the master craft of Jose's guitar work. The songs were sung and played immaculately with slight variations to the recorded versions all feeling like lullabies, which gave the show a super mellow feel but Jose can certainly charm. Very little stage banter, just the songs ma'am, so it was kind of a short show, with no opening act (probably 1.5 hours) but very nicely played. Would see him again.

Jose Gonzalez with Y Music was one of the most jaw dropping music experiences of my life. It is apparent that every musician on stage has been cultivating and perfecting their musical craft for decades. You can also tell that the songs were carefully written note by note in the most complex and dynamic collaberation one can imagine. It was a blend of folk,classical, jazz and trance all in one. I am still in awe and will never forget this experience!

From the powerful start of the show with just Jose and his guitar performing the deep hitting Crosses, all the way through the jam sessions with the band, and even a surprise song from one of his band mates, this was a cannot miss event!The Variety is a great place to catch a show- not a bad spot in the entire place to see the stage from, and the lighting was surreal. So happy I was finally able to take in a Jose show!!!

Though a strange place for a concert like that with chairs no one needs (Laeiszhalle, Hamburg), nearly everyone was captured from the first moment on. Soundtapestry meets funky rhythm meets the soft dreamy voice of José. Especially the combination with the String theory ensemble seems a flourishing idea that works extremely well. I definitely enjoyed every minute of the show and won't miss the next one.