Homer's Music & Gifts

local tunes
By MarQ Manner

Article originally from the "City Weekly" the news and entertainment weekly of Omaha, Lincoln, and Council Bluffs.
For more news from the "City Weekly" click here

9’s live
Friday, June 27, 2008

Since their formation in 1997 to their breakup in 2002 the 9’s were my favorite band in town and anyone who knew me then and most that know me, now realize this. My hipster indie friends didn’t get it, but the 9’s were as close to the perfect live band you could find on stage in Omaha. You would be hard pressed to find a group of musicians who were so in tune with each other both musically and as friends, but had such different ways of delivering the music.

I could make a graph to show which members gave out a larger proportion of one element and who gave out the smaller of the other, but let’s just say you had solid veteran musicians, rock stars, humorists, and a lot of funk, pop and soul in one band. Each member played a role and some had more of one thing than maybe the others did and vice versa, but it all played out perfectly on stage. That may be why a two-hour 9’s set never got dull and left all of us on the dance floor in a sweaty mess wanting more each time. Oh, and the girls that went to watch them weren’t too bad looking, either.

The 9’s in their prime would have lines out the door at places like Trovato’s and Pastimes and would regularly sell out larger venues like the Music Box. They gave us an EP and then finally a full-length CD and then left us fans a sweaty mess looking for another band to dance to. That band never came and the music scene in town changed for the better, but for me I always hoped I would get to look forward to one more Friday night with that band. That Friday has come as the band is reuniting to play at the Waiting Room this weekend (Friday) with special guests Oxygen. Even better news is the band is planning on playing on a regular basis and is in the process of recording a new album to be released later this year. I sent 10 questions to lead vocalist and guitarist Jason Birnsthil, and considering that these guys are just out looking for a good time again I got the answers that I expected:

What happened that made the band want to get back together again?
Last year, producer John Timm presented the group with a “lost recording” of one of our final shows. That blew our minds. John gathered us together and made us listen to it start to finish. It was the first time we had all been in the same room together since we stopped playing. Looking back, I’d say John’s sinister plan for a reunion came together rather nicely.

I know you have been rehearsing for quite some time in preparation. Why was it necessary to spend that amount of time before playing a gig again?
Did you see KISS the last time they came to Omaha? Don’t get me wrong, I love KISS but I didn’t want Justin (Palmer, synths and vocals) screwing up “Driving Home Naked” like Peter Criss screwed up “Beth.”

What can people expect this time around?
Craig Balderston (bass/vocals) is still one sexy mutha. Oh, and Mitch Towne (organ/electric piano/vocals) now has highlights.

What is the goal of the band this time around – playing for enjoyment or playing with an eye on a prize?
Yes, we’re hoping a couple of hot cougars decide to have a lot of pool parties. And need music.

What have you found is different for you personally in regards to playing with the band again?
I proceed now with the full knowledge that nothing lasts forever. If I can give advice to anyone reading this – please don’t hesitate. It can all be gone tomorrow.

Can you explain what transpired to cause the band to split in the first place?
OK, imagine “Godfather II” meets “300.” That’s pretty much what happened. “Prepare for glory, take the cannoli.”

What can people expect from the upcoming album?
The new album is due to be completed in September. It’s not pretentious, angst-ridden or filled with self-loathing. No wait. It is pretentious. But not dirty. Nasty funky, but not dirty.

What do you see that is different about the local music scene now than when you were regularly gigging?
The clothes … and no Ranch Bowl.

Do you think “Funky Cold Medina” or “Wild Thing” was the better of Tone Loc’s hits?
“Wild Thing.” The Van Halen influence (“Jamie’s Cryin”) in unmistakable.

Sum it up already.
After six years of births, deaths, near deaths, love, and breakups, we’re still shamelessly bent on making you feel good!