Concert Review: Bernhoft

How do you describe the indescribable? How do you put into words something you need to see with your own eyes, hear with your own ears, to truly understand the experience? One-man band conjures up images that don't do him justice, like a cheesy vaudeville sideshow act comes to mind, which does not befit him at all.

This Norwegian singer, recently residing in New York, came out with his first solo album in 2008 after releasing albums with several bands going back to 1996 (he would have been only 19 or 20 years old at that time). Classically trained, exceptionally talented, he defies being only one specific genre. His music is a mixture of soul, R&B, blues, jazz, a hint of pop all rolled up into one very funny, sometimes heartwarming or heartbreaking, dance your ass off, multi-talented dude with an edgy, rich, soaring voice (some might describe it as “panty melting”).

With 2 guitars, 1 keyboard, 2 mics, and a looping apparatus, this one man combines layers of music by doing all the harmonizing vocals, using the back of a guitar for a drum beat, some beat boxing or other sound effects, adding the guitar or keyboard, putting it all together to make it sound like a full band. It really is astounding and must be experienced to be believed. I'm very picky about the music I like but out of 5 stars I'd give him 12 because he's just that good.

If you only get one of his albums, I would recommend his live album from 2010 called 1: Man 2: Band. It's a double CD set, the first one is solo, the second one with a band (hence the name of the album). However, after speaking to him following last night's concert, he has a new album coming out in the Spring of 2014.

I also asked him, prior to this year, if he'd ever been to Toronto before. He jokingly said he may have been here for a wedding. I surmised he meant as a guest, not as a wedding singer. In reality he had never been here to do concerts and yet he's done three in Toronto this year alone:

NXNE Festival March/13 at the Drake Hotel

The Virgin Mobile Mod Club June/13

The El Mocambo Nov/13

Hopefully with his new album coming out in the Spring, he'll have the opportunity to “Come Around” again soon. I was too busy having so much fun to keep track and I couldn't even tell you the order of his setlist or if it's complete:

Ever Since I Was A Little Kid

Fly Away

Streetlights

So Many Faces

Choices

C'mon Talk

Stay With Me

Wind You Up

Sunday

On Time

Come Around

Space In My Heart

Shout (Tears For Fears cover)

A Bad Place To Reside

Check him out on his website at bernhoft.org and on YouTube.

bernhoft.org

C'mon Talk (Official Video)

Come Around (new song)