The Blue Note Los Angeles, CA
Web: tankandthebangas.com
Players: Tarriona “Tank” Ball, vocals; Norman Spence, keys, guitar; Robert Kellner, keys; Kenaniah Turner, bass; Deven Trusclair, drums; Etienne Stoufflet, saxophone, flute; Raion Ramsey, background vocals
A wise man once said, “life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” We at MC know that Tank of Tank & the Bangas is a powerful and gifted singer, a charismatic frontwoman and a n energetic performer. No doubt, she fully planned to offer a trademark killer performance at the newly-opened Blue Note LA in November, the last in a long run of shows. She was primed and ready, and she was going to slay because that’s what she does.
Unfortunately, her vocal cords weren’t prepared to play ball. Very early in the set, it became apparent that her voice just wasn’t there, probably because she’s thrown herself into every performance prior. She tried, bless her heart; Tank emerged from the Blue Note wings with all of the vigor and vitality that one has come to expect from her. Things started ok, and then the croaks began. Through no fault of her own, Tank wasn’t able to play her normal show.
So what to do? Well, a lesser artist might give up completely. Some might offer a slight apology and exit the stage. Tank chose not to do that; rather, she invited one friend after another up onto the stage to read from her new, second book of poetry The Thing About Falling. Tank interjected when able—she remained on stage and, in doing so, remained a powerful presence.
The band stayed up there too, offering a musical backdrop to the magical words pouring out of different mouths but one mind. In doing so, an air of stability was maintained. Like, ok, this isn’t a normal Tank & the Bangas show but the music is present and correct, the words are equally incisive and personal, it’s only the messenger that, for the most part is different.
This was a lesson in strength, flexibility and ingenuity. Because, against the odds, it turned out to be a joyous and quite glorious Tank & the Bangas show. In addition, the Blue Note LA is a quite gorgeous room. It’s a little fancy for this ragged, punk rock personality, but every now and again it’s nice to get swanky. The staff ate warm and welcoming, the lighting creates a very cool vibe, and everything is immaculate. More importantly, the sound is crystal clear.
We hope that the next time Tank sings around here, she’s all better. But the silver lining is that we got to see and hear a very different, rather brilliant set.
