Enter The Haggis @ Coda, NYC
A stew of rock & world music wrapped in a Celtic stomach
by Stephen Bailey
September 14, 2006

A group of three people got on the PATH train a couple of stops after me wearing Hawaiian shirts, leis and such. I thought perhaps there was a convention in town. Maybe they're going to a show. Maybe the same one I'm going to. But then the guy says, "Oh we're running so late, we're gonna miss the show. He's probably through his last encore of 'Margaritaville' by now." One of the girls replies, "Good I hate that song."

Three distinct thoughts smacked me in the head at that very moment. 1) Jimmy Buffet was playing tonight. 2) This girl was clearly an idiot because if he's on his last encore, then they missed the entire damned show, duh! 3) I should have known they were not going to the same place as me. There was no Hawaiian connection to where I'd be. I was off to see Canadian Celtic rockers Enter the Haggis at Coda (34 E 34th St, NYC). Presented by NY's Daly Communications, they were showcasing songs from their new CD 'Soapbox Heros'.

Click for More Pix

Coda is a big place that kinda looks like someone force-fit a bar into a hotel lobby and threw in a stage for good measure. Two enormous brass chandeliers with teeny lampshades hung from the twenty-foot ceilings above the dance floor. Over the back of the bar was what appeared to be a gigantic, cushy headboard that could be from a honeymoon suite atop a beanstalk. In the corner was a random palm tree.

I would soon find out that this place actually used to be a bank. This changed my perspective a lot, especially the bar area where once were the teller stations patrons stepped up to. Continuing the bank motif, apparently there is a lounge in the old basement vault. I didn't get to see this myself though. At the bold, thirty-foot wood bar; the drinks were strong and averagely priced for NYC. For some odd reason though, seating was a bit sparse for such a large place.

There were a few reserved tables on the other side of the dance floor including a slightly raised, little VIP looking area. This was in front of the DJ/Sound booth and had about four little cocktail tables, several round stools and a bench that ran along the back wall. That was it. Precious few barstools could even be found at the bar. On the wall behind the VIP area was a combination of oak, velvet curtains and what the club calls 'Baroque Designs'. I confess to not knowing what they mean by that. It looks nice though.

The stage is deceptively small at 15' x 15'. I wondered if there was enough room to house the torrent of musical mayhem that was about to hit from Canada. Bagpipes, fiddle, drums, bass, keyboards and guitars all made their way on to the tight fitting performance area. I kept thinking someone could lose an eye tonight. Although I'd never seen Enter the Haggis in person, I had seen their videos online and knew of their level of energy.

Formed in 1996, the band continues to mix and match sounds that create a unique blend. Much like their namesake, Enter the Haggis is a stew of rock, bluegrass and world music wrapped in a Celtic stomach and boiled in brilliant harmonies and served with an unyielding rhythm section. Something tells me this is a far tastier mix than its gastronomical cousin from Scotland.

Their precise musicianship, unique musical perspective and amazing interaction are enough to keep anyone mesmerized. During a particular breakdown of one tune, guitarist Trevor Lewington strolled back towards drummer James Campbell who proceeded to tap out his beat on the neck of the guitar. The occasional rib shaking vintage analog keyboard bass rattled the room and as high as the power ran is how gentle other moments seeped in. There is an impressive range in what these guys can do yet it is all very cohesive and not at all contrived.

After the set I got to see first-hand just how dedicated the Enter the Haggis fan base can be. As I was chatting with bassist Mark Abraham about the show, a woman approached and commented about a tune they played called 'Long Way Home'. Apparently a recording of the song was played that at the funeral for a friend of hers. This was a very moving sentiment and I realized the revelations I was making to Mark about Black Sabbath meets U2 meets Dead Can Dance kinda paled in comparison.

These guys don't get to NYC a great deal although they do find themselves in the surrounding areas of Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Upstate New York fairly often. So hopefully fate will allow them to turn left or right from wherever they are leading them to our fair city more frequently in the future. Until then, be sure to check them out online and buy their CDs. You won't be disappointed.

Cheers,
Stephen

See Also:
My Pictures from the Show
Enter the Haggis
ETH on Myspace
Coda, NYC

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I call myself a Cultural Exchange Advocate, which is just a fancy way of saying when
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