Earlier this year, New York’s Babehoven opening up for Greg Mendez in Chicago. Their vocalist (and main songwriter) Maya Bon came on stage, and in a raspy whisper, delivered the tragic news that she had lost her voice the previous day. She apologized profusely, and said that they’d try to perform a few songs, but she couldn’t sing a full show on her own. Then she made an unexpected offer to the crowd: if anyone was feeling brave, they could come up and sing a Babehoven song of their choice while the band backed them, karaoke style. No one wanted to go up at first, but after a couple of songs with Chicago local Hemlock filling in, someone from the crowd mustered up the courage to try. A young woman, maybe in her early 20s, shyly attempted to sing, a little off key.
The whole crowd clapped and cheered her on. A couple more folks came up to sing additional songs, and then finally opener Mia Joy joined, along with Greg Mendez himself, to wrap up the set. It was a funny, weird, sincere show full of kindness and encouragement from the Chicago crowd and fellow performers, and ended up being one of the most memorable shows I went to this year.
“Water’s Here In You” is not only a reminder of that touching memory, but a beautiful folk-tinged soft rock album to boot. It’s a lovely record.
The Fat Angel Sings 