The WillaJay Sober Release Show: A Night of Enchantment and Unforgettable Talent

As the lights dimmed and a hush fell over the crowd, anticipation hung heavy in the air. It was clear that this would be no ordinary concert. The WillaJay “Sober” release show promised an evening of soul-stirring music and stunning performances, and it delivered in spades. From the opening piano solo to the final notes, WillaJay and her talented bandmates captured the hearts and minds of everyone in attendance. Where will this enigmatic performer lead us next?

The evening began with WillaJay, dressed in a black tutu, taking the stage alone. Her graceful entrance and emotive dance moves set the tone for the night, as she began playing a haunting piano solo. The crowd was immediately hooked, and the power of her flawless vocals soon filled the room. With each note, it was evident that WillaJay had the ability to command the attention of everyone present, and it was impossible not to be swept up in the emotion she so effortlessly conveyed through her music.

Strong Collaborators

As the first song came to a close, the anticipation only grew. It was time for the band to join WillaJay on stage, and they did not disappoint. Among the talented musicians were bassist Jonathan Dell, known as Jdell, and producer/sound engineer Xhris A. Jdell, a young, versatile musician, has made a name for himself playing with bands like Jimmy Climbs and Lowmello of the Monsoon crowd. His collaboration with WillaJay on the sober release album took their combined talents to new heights.

The second song of the evening, “Codependency,” showcased the power of this collaboration. Co-written by WillaJay and local legend Edgar Wonder, the track demonstrated the chemistry between the band members as they played off each other’s energy. Jdell and Xhris A, who co-produced most of the record, brought a unique depth to the performance that resonated with the audience. With the addition of the skilled backup musicians, the entire ensemble created an experience that few local acts can match.

As the night progressed, it became increasingly clear that WillaJay’s performance was a force to be reckoned with. Her enigmatic presence, combined with her emotive facial expressions, captivated the crowd as she sang her heart out. It was evident that this was more than just a performance. It was a deeply personal and transformative journey for the artist and the audience alike.

Throughout the show, the band’s cohesion and chemistry only grew stronger. Jdell’s innovative bass lines and Xhris A’s masterful production skills complemented WillaJay’s evocative vocals perfectly, creating an unforgettable musical experience. The synergy between the musicians was palpable. It was clear that they had formed a powerful bond during the creation of the sober release album.

Conclusion

As the evening drew to a close, it was difficult not to feel a sense of awe at the sheer talent on display. It was clear that the WillaJay “Sober” release show was truly majestic, and the term “masterpiece” seemed almost inadequate to describe the experience. As the text aptly states, WillaJay’s masterpiece is yet to come, and we can only imagine the heights she will reach in the future.

WillaJay ended the night with an encore per vehement request of the crowd. Glory Box by Portishead.

Subscribe to stay up to date with Albuquerque’s rising stars

The Launchpad: Reviewed Honestly

Alright, music lovers of Albuquerque, buckle up for a no-holds-barred review of the infamous Launchpad. As a musician who’s played at this joint more times than I can count, I’m going to give you the real deal, from the good to the bad to the ugly.

The Good

Let’s start with the good, because there’s definitely some good to be found at the Launchpad. First of all, this place has been a staple of the Albuquerque music scene for over 20 years, and it has played host to some of the most epic shows in the city’s history. If you’re a fan of punk, metal, or indie rock, you’re going to find a lot to love here.

Another thing I appreciate about the Launchpad is that it’s run by music lovers, for music lovers. The folks who work here are passionate about what they do, and they’re always looking for ways to make the venue better for everyone involved. They book a lot of local acts, which is great for up-and-coming bands who are trying to get their feet wet in the scene.

The Bad

Now, let’s talk about the bad. One of the biggest complaints I have about the Launchpad is that some nights, the sound is amazing, and you can hear every note crystal-clear. Other nights, it’s like the sound guy is half-asleep and everything just sounds muddy and garbled. The in-house sound equipment is state of the art and one of the best in the city for a venue this size. However, it seems that the sound guy on duty really can make or break this aspect. The monitor situation is either amazing, or non-existent.

The Ugly

But the real ugly side of the Launchpad is the bathroom situation. Look, I know it’s a rock club and all that, but can we please get some functioning bathrooms in here? It’s like they intentionally make the bathrooms as gross as possible to weed out the weak. I’m talking overflowing toilets, broken stall doors, and that weird smell that you can’t quite place but you know it’s not good.

All in all, a Wonderful place…

All that being said, the Launchpad is still one of my favorite places to play in Albuquerque. There’s just something about the energy of the place that keeps me coming back, despite the flaws. And hey, if you’re a true music lover, you’re willing to put up with a little bit of grime and discomfort in order to see your favorite bands in action.

So, there you have it, folks. The good, the bad, and the ugly of the Launchpad, from the perspective of a seasoned musician in Albuquerque. If you’re looking for an authentic rock club experience, this is definitely the place to be. Just don’t expect luxury accommodations, and make sure you bring some hand sanitizer

Brixens 10/10 Review

Summer of 2017; I was downtown late at night. The building on the southwest corner of Central and 4th was lit-up after being dark for months. I could see into it through a gap in the window covers made of newspaper. There were people in there sweeping, moving things around, and putting things up. I had seen painters and other handymen during the day but it was almost midnight; it couldn’t be a construction crew. For weeks, I saw that building light up late at night. I didn’t know what was going on or what it was going to be but I was certainly curious. Continue reading “Brixens 10/10 Review”

Humble Coffee Review

I have some time between errands one early afternoon and I remember a friend telling me about the best coffee shops she likes in town. Humble is high on the list for her. I, personally, had never been to Humble even though I have lived in downtown Albuquerque for almost a year and I got to see the construction of Humble’s new location on Central, yet, I hadn’t found much time to pay them a visit. I have a couple of hours to kill so I decide today is gonna be the day I try out Humble Coffee Company. Continue reading “Humble Coffee Review”

Breve Crepes & Coffee: 10/10 review

It’s a warmer-than-should-be, late-November afternoon and I’m finishing up a nice walk through my neighborhood. I walk by the Simms building and I’m reminded of the one time I went to Breve and how long it has been since then; more than a couple of years. It’s the perfect time because I’m hungry, thirsty, and I haven’t had a cheat-day on my diet in a while. Continue reading “Breve Crepes & Coffee: 10/10 review”