Recently there has been a misperception circulating around town that the Tampa music scene is yet another victim of imminent death syndrome (IDS).  Apparently Hospice has been contacted, grave plots have been secured and it’s only a matter of time.  Had the misinformed attended the Dear and Glorious Physician CD release party at the New World Brewery they would have realized that the Tampa music scene, though not yet fully realized, is alive with possibility.
 
Around four hundred people attended the event, and the folks at New Granada wisely decided to give the album to everyone who paid the seven-dollar cover charge.  The venue was packed early with people anxious to hear the much talked about siblings from Gainesville.

Having moved to New York to “make it,” opening band, Modern, has recently returned to the Bay Area to regroup.  The band had the shiniest, most elaborate gear, but also delivered the weakest, most underwhelming performance.
 
An Open Letter to Modern’s Gear

Dear Modern’s Gear.

First off, let me say that you look beautiful.  Not since the Wilco show last year had I seen so much elegance on one stage.  During your hour-long set-up you were so graceful as you were displayed and paraded proudly all across the New World porch.  I was sick with, to say the least, envy.  Modern was the luckiest dude in the place.

However, during the set you were given little attention, overshadowed and misused.  I’ve seen it time and time again with gear like you, but it made me especially blue to see it happen to someone so special.  What little attention you did receive was, well, more like abuse. 

What you need, Modern’s Gear, is someone who understands you, someone who has the ability to write a song for you to compliment.

Modern’s Gear, you deserve better.

Sincerely,

Steven Hobbs

In contrast to Modern, the Candy Bars took to the porch with minimal equipment.  The revered trio played their woeful and ambient tunes to a captivated audience.  The last few Candy Bars shows I’ve attended drummer Ryan Hastings has been absent.  Clearly his presence should be required at all times.  As the sole member of the rhythm section, he played the kit with a certain ease and confidence that carried each song.  The band showed that a well-crafted melody does not require Pink Floyd-esque amounts of gear.

By the time Dear and Glorious Physician began tuning their Fender guitars, everyone had crowded the porch, encircling the band and overflowing onto the patio.  The four siblings were all dressed in their signature white and played their bombastic Pixies-meets-Dead Meadow-meets-Sonic Youth songs with conviction.  The highlight of the set was the crowd favorite, “Spooky Action,” the first track off their debut L.P.  Front man, Charles, and guitarist, Jillian (playing the show shoeless), harmonized beautifully during the song's chorus, “There is no limitation to what can happen.”

As the band played I surveyed the audience, reminded again of what makes Tampa’s music scene unique.  Seemingly every subculture and style was represented.  You couldn’t help but smile, seeing Deacon from Tastemakers front and center, grooving and fanning the quartet with a large, white towel.  Both the band and the audience responded energetically to one another, and the end of their set brought, perhaps, the loudest applause the New World Brewery has heard.

After the mini-van was loaded and the crowd had cleared, I was able to sit down and talk with Charles Westfall.

REAX:  In the last year, what has been your best show?

CHARLES:  In terms of sheer pleasure, I would definitely say the Tropical Heat Wave Festival.  I mean the last two shows at the New World have been incredible, including tonight.  When you have a big energetic crowd on that wood floor it’s amazing.  Everyone’s all around you like a house party.

REAX:  How did the New Granada thing come about?

CHARLES:  We played some shows at New World, and Keith liked what we were doing.  He really loved the album and wanted to repress it.

REAX:  Lastly, what does the future hold for Dear and Glorious Physician?

CHARLES:  Well, Jill is leaving, and I’ll have new baby in the fall.  We going to proceed as a three piece and just pick up where we left off, make things happen and try to hurt people. 

At the end of the evening, walking around in the almost empty bar, waiting for a friend to finish a foosball game so I could drive him home, I noticed that there were no CD’s left behind on tables or pinball machines.  It confirmed not only that the Westfall siblings exceeded expectations, but that this area is continually striving to cultivate a music scene.