That 1 guy: Just one guy, really

Who knew one man could do so much with a pipe, a saw, and a boot?

TIMOTHY BROWN STAFF

That 1 Guy, with his “Magic Pipe,” came to Winnipeg this past Saturday. I hope you were there, because it was simply astounding. That 1 Guy is Mike Silverman, a classically trained bassist with a taste for the absurd.

He has released an album titled Songs in the Key of Beotch and has toured all over the world. I don’t think the world has seen someone quite like That 1 Guy before, but it seems like everyone who watches him perform live is left amazed at what one man can do with a giant pipe.

It is difficult to explain what exactly his “magical pipe” is. I think his press release describes it best: “Standing nearly seven feet tall, The Magic Pipe is a chaotic collage of galvanized steel, duct tape and electronic gadgetry, run through an array of samplers and effect boxes.” When watching him play, one can’t help but wonder if he’s really playing or not. There are so many different sounds that come from the simplest of hand gestures, it seems like he’s just playing along to a pre-recorded song. This just shows the musical genius put into creating such a ridiculous, conceptual instrument.

As he played, he appeared casual yet ridiculous: his long wavy hair was tucked behind his head with an Amish hat; he wore a simple pair of pants and a T-shirt while sporting some very ridiculous sideburns; his movements on stage were eccentric and hilarious. One couldn’t help but laugh when he would almost start jigging to the music he was performing. He danced his way through two 45-minute sets, which were both stived with the craziest, danciest beats I have witnessed live.

During the performance, the Magic Pipe wasn’t the only instrument he used. He also used a saw and a boot, modifying both with electronic gadgetry. The boot was particularly impressive: he would switch between tapping and scratching its sole, creating very unique sounds. He also used modified kick pedals, sort of like the ones you’d see on a drum set. They, of course, were also modified. It was something of a spectacle when he would be playing the Magic Pipe while operating two kick pedals. The sheer concentration and coordination required for this feat was incredible.

The songs he played covered a broad variety of themes. One song would be about meat, another would be about fruit. He even graced the crowd with newer material that focused on the moon and cheese. One song even combined both, which was titled “The Moon is Disgusting, it’s Made of Cheese.”

After the performance I think most people were still trying to figure out what had just happened. How could one man produce so many sounds and integrate them into a solid hour-and-a-half musical performance that left none disappointed? I personally don’t have the answer, but one thing is for sure, that (1) guy knows how to play some damn fine music.