WEDNESDAY 2.4
Tarbox Ramblers — Touring in support of their new disc, A Fix Back East, the Boston-based Ramblers unveil a bigger, darker, nastier sound. Recorded in Memphis and Beantown, the disc features production by the legendary Jim Dickinson (Big Star, Replacements), Paul Kolderie (The Pixies) and Sean Slade (Uncle Tupelo), and sounds like an unholy alliance between Muddy Waters and Nick Cave, rather than the Robert Johnson/hillbilly vibe of their debut. Banjo virtuoso Ross Nickerson opens. The Evening Muse (Schacht)
The Virginia Reel — You can only really hear them at this point on Andrew Webster’s Complex Radio compilation (or via their website, thevirginiareel.com), but Neil Allen and Co. have an EP, Somewhere, set to come out on Tract Records in the next few months. Besides Allen — the main songwriter of the group — the band also boasts a live lineup of Rodney Lanier (Jolene, Sea of Cortez, Gold Coast), Kristin Garber, Eric Krauss, The Noise’s Bruce Hazel, and ex-Lou Ford drummer Darrell Ussery. Lots of folks are already calling The Reel one of the best groups Charlotte has going. Count me among ’em. With Pyramid’s Joey Stephens. The Room (Davis)
THURSDAY 2.5
Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart — Yup, Steve’s little sister. But you could make the argument that little sis has surpassed big bro in the ability to write a purty country song, especially since Stacey’s man Stuart has gotten equal billing. Judging by last year’s very tasty Never Gonna Let You Go, written and recorded by husband and wife, Earle seems secure in her niche, mining it for all its worth. Stuart’s guitar is a musical match that fits Earle’s voice to a tee; it’s almost like they’ve known each other’s most intimate…oh, yeah. With Phyllis Tannerfrye. The Evening Muse (Schacht)
The Subdudes — The on-again, off-again N’awlins Americana act have reunited and will release their first album in eight years, Miracle Mule, on April 20 on Back Porch Records (regrettably, they seem to be keeping the whole e.e. cummings lower-case thing, too). A mix (I am probably the only writer in the world not calling it a “gumbo”) of rock, funk, gospel, and blues, the album is keeping in line with past subdudes efforts: lots of intricate harmony, keyboard splashes, and jazz-style percussion. Go see ’em before they break up again. Neighborhood Theatre (Davis)
FRIDAY 2.6
Andes Manta — Andes Manta are four brothers from Ecuador, adept at over 35 traditional instruments, bringing ancient Andean sounds from the mountains and surrounding regions to the realm of world music. Considering that the Andes stretch for over 4,000 miles, practically the entire length of South America, it is not possible to pinpoint specific Andean music, and that’s where Andes Manta’s encompassing sound comes into focus. The brothers learned traditional folk music as it has been learned over eons, passed from father to son, brother to brother, blending pre-Colombian eras with contemporary festival music. Highly recommended. Barnes Recital Hall, Winthrop U (Shukla)
Arlington Priest — Harmony-laced acoustic duo from Georgia create gentle songs that are probably quite comfy and at home in java joints, and are not too shabby for a drive-time listen. The husband and wife team doesn’t shatter any musical boundaries, and that’s OK, but there seems to be a need for added instrumentation, as most recorded cuts are with a single acoustic guitar. It also must be said that while harmonies are great, there is a bit of over-the-top harmonizing going on here, and the lyrical technique is often drowned in dull wordplay. Both points are amplified in the simple, two vocals/acoustic guitar setting. The Evening Muse (Shukla)
KAOS — The “crème de la crème” blowout features KAOS, a presence at the beginning of American DNB and still going strong after a decade of spinning and producing. Production work lately includes a partnership with the American wunderkind of DNB, Dieselboy, along with Jae Kennedy and Karl K — all of which have put KAOS back in the limelight. Also performing: Tetradin (eRIC E & Gyromite), Shade, Merlin, Focus and Joshua Platinum. Mythos (Schacht)
Loch Ness Johnny — Columbia, SC, quintet’s delightful Celtic rock mixed with Appalachian hoedowns, and with good results. The recently released 4th record, Devil’s Dance, is darn catchy, lending itself to an even more exuberant delivery live. While they take cues from the Waterboys and other like-minded groups, Loch Ness Johnny are surely just as at home in alterna-rock surroundings as in the soaking climes of Irish pubs. George Washington Bookstore & Tavern, Concord (Shukla)
Max Graham — The DJ/producer was: a pioneer of scratching during progressive house sets; the old touring partner of Paul Oakenfeld; an acolyte of Run DMC’s Jam Master Jay; mixer for the 4th installment of the hugely popular “Transport” series; No. 23 in the prestigious DJ Magazine Top 100, highest “rookie” entry ever; resident DJ at the legendary Gatecrasher from 2001-2002; making his first Charlotte visit. Tonic (Schacht)
SATURDAY 2.7
Puddle Of Mudd — Beware of bands that don’t post reviews of their records on their websites. Beware even more of a major-label act that has but one review, written by some ‘zine no one’s ever heard of. (What a coincidence! Here’s that review, of POM’s Life on Display, from Joe De Francesco of Decoy Zine: “Immediately upon listening to a couple of tracks, I began to get a giddy feeling because I believe that Puddle Of Mudd duplicated their formula from the first album in order to achieve more success and accolades…Puddle Of Mudd is the type of band you either like or dislike, it’s that clear-cut. I do believe most people will like this new album from Puddle Of Mudd. It’s a clean and well-polished rock album which accommodates to everyone’s thirst.”) Yes, nothing quite promises greatness like “duplicated their formula,” “clean and well-polished,” and “accommodates.” (Not to mention the fact that Fred Durst signed them.). Tremont Music Hall (Davis)
TUESDAY 2.10
Joe Firstman — Charlotte native and singer/songwriter covers many bases in his debut recording War of Women (Atlantic). There are rockers, piano-driven ballads reminiscent of Joe Jackson-styled pop, and some pretty potent roots-rock. Firstman creates all with the piano as the base and with a solid heaping of guitar undercurrents. The youngster has even penned a couple of tunes with celebrated lyricist Bernie Taupin, long-time Elton John collaborator. Amos’ Southend (Shukla)
The Slackers — New York ska-punk faves are touring in support of Close My Eyes (Hellcat). If the Slackers don’t get your head bobbing and a giddy dance appetite isn’t awakened after the first tune, you might as well head home and hit the sack. They cover most Jamaican music including ska, reggae, rock steady, and even throw in healthy doses of calypso. Also on the bill for this all-ages gig are Englewood Ska Quartet. Tremont Music Hall (Shukla)
This article appears in Feb 4-10, 2004.
