Because I refuse to pay for HBO, I had never really heard of Bryan Greenberg before. His current claim to fame is starring in How To Make It In America on the prominent network. I’m not sure why, but I had a good feeling about his sound. I stumbled out of my apartment barely in time to see his performance from the beginning. Upon my arrival, I became a little worried when alerted to the fact that the person working the door had stepped out for a moment, but her friend placed a smileyface on my hand anyway and told me to enjoy the show--I love take charge women.
I walked into a crowded, but comfortable open space consisting of about 5 guys (no, really) and dozens of girls who were clearly in their 20s, but thought it appropriate to howls like 12 year old teeny boppers throughout Greenberg’s set. I kind of understand why--he is pretty adorable.
He’s a passionate songwriter and performer, and I have been known to indulge in my shameworthy share of them (cough Howie Day cough). But Greenberg’s delivery was earnest. He lamented over critics always wanting to pigeonhole him as either an actor or singer and not both. He shared how it’s almost harder to break someone’s heart than to be heartbroken. He praised the genius of Kid Cudi and joked with onlookers about the rapper possibly making an appearance that night. Greenberg even polled the audience about a tentative name for his live band--”The Scruff” won.
As for his music, it had elements of rock, bluegrass, and even soul mashed together making for some really alluring melodies. He performed the Cudi-graced “You Can Run,” as well as the tongue in cheek “Sorta Have A Girl,” and his latest sensation, “Walk Away.” The only facet of the evening that got under my skin were annoying girls that enclosed the stage, but Greenberg handled their excitement with grace. I’m sure he’s had his fair share of them.
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