Tobias Jesso Jr. played the Fonda Theatre Oct. 30.
Tobias Jesso Jr. is a goofball, a showman, and one talented dude. Taking the stage at The Fonda Theatre on Oct. 30 in a Bigfoot costume, Jesso provided a night of laughs, good music, and surprise guests, both real-deal and costumed. Since releasing his appropriately titled debut, “Goon” earlier this year, Jesso has become a critical darling, with his genuine and intimate style and an obvious gift for melody. The drawing of comparisons to 70’s tunesmiths like Paul McCartney and Randy Newman has become commonplace, serving as both a huge compliment and a description of Jesso’s sound.
What is lean and cozy on record was brought to life fully by The Duk Band, Jesso’s backing crew on the tour, who were dressed as the boy scouts to Jesso’s Bigfoot. Consisting of horns, a violin, guitars, and drums, Duk displayed the ability to change it up at a moment’s notice (a necessity with Jesso basically building his setlist from audience requests). Whether it was the Harry Nilsson-esque “Crocodile Tears” or an outstanding, on-the-fly cover of Outkast’s “Hey Ya,” for which Jesso had to read the lyrics off of his phone, the band was tight, injecting necessary moxie into Jesso’s piano ballads and muted vocals.
Speaking of moxie, Jesso has it in spades. A natural entertainer, he filled out the slim setlist of 14 songs with plenty of jokes and antics, bringing out his manager Drake, who was dressed like “Hotline Bling”, talked about Duk’s drummer’s past as a child actor on “Monk,” and brought out an old buddy to do an incredible rendition of The Ghostbusters theme song. Each song was also given a “Halloween ending” consisting of dissonant chords and Jesso and Duk members howling and making ghost sounds, often providing hilarious results.
Just when it seemed the show couldn’t get any better, Jesso spotted the Haim sisters in the audience and brought them up on stage to do their hit, “Forever,” which never sounded so good. All three sisters dancing euphorically with Bigfoot was a sight to see, the kind of authentically spontaneous, once in a lifetime moment that makes live music so special.
Once Haim left the stage, Jesso couldn’t get over it. “That was the high point of the night. You’re going to want to go home now.” Definitely not giving himself proper credit, excellent renditions of “Leaving LA,” “Without You” and “The Wait” were played, as well as the poignant “Just A Dream.” Written to a future child, he dedicated it to an audience member’s son, saying “This one’s for Frankie,” and sweetly put his name throughout the lyrics.
“Hollywood,” earnest and plaintive, was a highlight for the crowd down on Hollywood Boulevard, and garnered huge applause before The Duk Band left the stage leaving Jesso alone to play the tender love song “True Love.” With an achingly lovely piano riff that uncannily recalls John Lennon’s post-Beatles home demos, it was a breathtaking moment. The band then rejoined Jesso for “How Could You Babe,” Jesso’s calling card which he delivered in an appropriately show-stopping fashion.
Jesso’s music is simple and heartfelt, beautiful on record, but potentially monotonous in a live setting. He avoids that trap with the The Duk Band live arrangements, and his own ultra charming stage presence. The Fonda show was a real night to remember, the kind that could become lore and legend if Jesso’s star continues to rise. And that seems most certain.
The show was opened by Wet.