THURSDAY 4.6
Cracker (Unplugged) — Cracker’s never enjoyed the hipster cache of David Lowery’s seminal band, Camper Van Beethoven, largely because their records lack the same imaginative flights of fancy. There have been quality moments, usually of the country-rock variety, and that’ll be the focus of this acoustic gig featuring Lowery and guitarist Johnny Hickman. There’s also a new record in the pipe, their first in three years, due out in June. Bobby Houck opens. Neighborhood Theatre (Schacht)
FRIDAY 4.7
Eric Lindell — Young Lindell’s road-worn voice, the road where blues meets New Orleans R&B, and warm guitar chops shape his music. Lindell leans more to “sit back and sway” blues than toward “shake your thang” blues. And there’s nothing wrong with that, especially after listening to his new disc Change in the Weather, which comes out this week on blues staple Alligator Records. Double Door Inn (Shukla)
Hiromi — Hiromi Uehara is a young Japanese jazz pianist/composer with star power oozing from her nimble fingers. She’s fluid on the piano, mixing funk, jazz, even rock into a seductive milieu. She’s comfy with frenetic improv as well as classical structures. Her fine new recording, Spiral, was released early this year. Ahmad Jamal has collaborated with her and has become a mentor. Her touring trio features Hiromi (piano/keyboard), Tony Grey (bass) and Martin Valihora (drums). Neighborhood Theatre (Shukla)
Too Human — Ellen Schwartz and Roger Bruno are Too Human. Quite literally, as they have the hearts of poets affixed on musicians’ sleeves and perform breezy numbers that are a mix of swing, pop and contemporary balladry. The duo has written tunes for Teddy Pendergrass and Cher and tours the countryside doing jazzy covers and originals with guitars, vocals and percussion. The hint of rasp in Ellen’s voice works in the duo’s favor. Also at Rodi tomorrow night. Pewter Rose (Shukla)
SATURDAY 4.8
Ahleuchatistas — This Asheville-based trio (guitar, bass and drums) turns on a dime without leaving skid marks. Take that back — the blend of prog rock, funk, jazz and grind will invariably leave marks on the noggins of the musically adventurous. Instrumental music doesn’t get any more eclectic. They’re rolling through town pimping the newly released disc What You Will. With Elevator Action and The Cogburns. Milestone (Shukla)
Alternative Champs — Bigger than American Idol, the Beatles and Jesus (though not together), Charlotte’s Champs are livin’ the life: Recording soundtracks, starring in videos (go to www.alternativechamps.com and view the low-budget majesty of “Squishy, My Love”) and spinning Trojan’s stock into gold. Every show has a different theme, but one constant: They’re entertaining, and they rock like hell. OK, make it two constants. Opening is twisted C&W legend Unknown Hinson. Visulite Theatre (Schacht)
Elevator Action — EA’s got a new one set to be released on June 6 called Society, Secret, and once again John Agnello (Mark Lanegan, Dinosaur Jr., er … the Sammies) is manning the dials. According to the good folk at Morisen Records, “the lyrics wreak (sic) of the band’s coded melodrama in regards to their relationships, new beginnings and a fascination with groups of people bound together by the secrets they share.” That is, a concept-style art piece about … what it’s like to be in a band. Don’t let that fool you, however; the Charlotte rockers are a no-nonsense adrenorawk trio (Eric Gilstrap, guitars, vocals; Laurie Ruroden, bass; James Donley, drums) equally comfortable with couture and cough syrup, glam decadence and slam nihilism. Livin’ it up while yr going down, yes? Milestone (Davis)
Pnuma Trio — The Memphis-based Pnuma Trio (Alex Botwin, bass; Ben Hazlegrove, keys; Lane Shaw, drums) is a rather odd bird, even in the ever-expanding aural aviary of jam-based music. Ostensibly a live drum’n’bass/trance act, the group somehow manages enough whoompf (my word) to re-align your spine yet enough instrumental wheedledeedee (also my word) to keep you thinking (and drinking, one imagines). Not the kind of band you’d expect to catch at a patchouli party, which is reason enough to check ’em out. With Perpetual Groove. Neighborhood Theatre (Davis)
SUNDAY 4.9
Scoot Pittman CD Release — Scoot is a long-established Charlotte singer/songwriter, and damn fine musician, and will release his latest recording, Lake Montonia Road, this evening. A video showing will precede Scoot and friends playing tunes from the new disc. Scoot’s knack for melodic twists and turns is the foundation for his reliable song-crafting skills. This is an early gig beginning at 5pm. The Evening Muse (Shukla)
This article appears in Apr 5-11, 2006.
