NewBeats

Meaghan Smith
Rockwood Music Hall
Dec. 3, 2009
By David Chiu

Newcomer Meaghan Smith may not be familiar to most American music listeners…for now. However, there is a good chance you may have heard of her if you picked up the soundtrack to the film (500) Days of Summer: she did a cover version of the Pixies’ classic “Here Comes Your Man.” It’s a taste of what’s to come from this Canadian singer/songwriter as she prepares to release her full-length debut album, The Cricket’s Orchestra, on Warner Bros. next year.

So far it looks pretty promising for Smith judging by her recent performance at Rockwood Music Hall on the Lower East Side this past Wednesday. Accompanied by a guitar player and a stand-up bass player, Smith performed songs that can be best described as autobiographical and romantic lyrically, verging between exuberance and introspection. The material draws on different influences including country, folk and ‘20s pop. Certainly songs “If You Asked Me” and “You Got Out” have this very jazzy swing feel; “Poor” is a tender and romantic love ballad with a country-folk feel.

As far as a singer, Smith has a really lovely voice that can also be torchy, especially on the last song of the set, which was a dreamy and atmospheric ballad. Although she is relatively new, Smith had a fetching personality of a seasoned pro, and that showed in her confident performance even in the small confines of Rockwood.

Dawes
Le Poisson Rouge, NYC
Nov. 21, 2009
Review by David Chiu

When Dawes, a four-piece California band, performed live recently at Le Poisson Rouge in NYC this past Saturday, they seem to betray the sound on latest record North Hills. Don’t get the wrong idea—that is meant as a compliment to a band who was recently cited in Rolling Stone as breaking. Their music from that album, which is very steeped in soulful country rock, is fine. But as Dawes played the songs onstage, the music seemed to resonate exponentially.

The band — vocalist/guitarist Taylor Goldsmith, drummer Griffen Goldsmith, bassist Wylie Gelber and keyboardist Alex Casnoff — played only eight songs but they certainly made the most of their brief set of songs from their debut album; and the energy from the band seemed to gradually increase over the course of the show. It started off with the slow rocker of “That Western Skyline,” and later followed by the subdued “Love Is All I Am” and “If You Let Me Be Your Anchor,” a tender love song with a country groove. From there Dawes really kicked it up a notch with “When My Time Comes,” which was the most uptempo number at that point and a highlight. Peace in the Valley provided the climax with some great playing by all the musicians, particularly Griffen on the drums.

One can’t help draw some similarities between Dawes and another quartet from California known for their Southern-influenced rock: Creedence Clearwater Revival. In fact one of the songs performed at the show, “God Rest My Soul,” has a chugging feel that is reminiscent of a classic tune from John Fogerty and the boys. But as their music and stage presence demonstrated at this particular show, Dawes have also forged their own identity.

Photos by David Chiu (from camera phone)

Amy Millan/Bahamas
Mercury Lounge
Nov. 5, 2009
By David Chiu

It was roots-rock night Canada style last Thursday at the Mercury Lounge where two pretty good acts were on the bill: an established artist from Montreal who is associated with the bands Stars and Broken Social Scene; the other an up-and-comer from Toronto.

Amy Millan headlined the bill and delivered a warm and intimate evening of folk and country music. Though I wasn’t able to stay for the entire set, it appeared that Millan and her four-piece band were really in the zone that evening. They played tunes from Millan’s latest album, the exquisite Masters of the Burial, as well as her previous album Honey From the Tombs. The band first launched into a capella singing of the gospel-ish “Some Day” (a song originally by Blue Highway) before going into the ballad “Low Sail.” Those tunes were followed by other songs in the folk-country vein. As for her own performance Millan sang wonderfully with a lovely and breathy voice that is reminiscent of Suzanne Vega.

The opening act was Bahamas, which is essentially singer/guitarist Afie Jurvanen, who has played with Feist and the aforementioned Amy Millan. At first glance one might have thought Jurvanen looked more like a truck driver than a rock and roller thanks to his flannel shirt, jeans and cap. That perception changed the moment he played his guitar and he showcased his impressive prowess as both instrumentalist and singer. Accompanied by just a drummer, Jurvanen delivered tuneful old-school rock (his debut album is called Pink Strat). Jurvanen was also an entertaining performer on stage whether he was moving his body as he played guitar or joking with the audience.

Photos: David Chiu

from MySpace.com/albertine

Viv Albertine
The Knitting Factory, Brooklyn, NY
Oct. 16, 2009

Former Slits guitarist Viv Albertine made her return to America earlier this month performing some recent solo shows — including at The Knitting Factory in Brooklyn opening for the Raincoats.

Here is a list of some of the songs she performed by herself on electric guitar:

I Don’t Believe/In Love
Never Come
The False Heart
Hook Up Girl
Confessions of a MILF

Kaki King
The Exhibition
Littlefield
Brooklyn, NY
August 7, 2009

Friday night at the Brooklyn’s Littlefield art-performance space was the official opening of The Exhibition, a collection of artworks made of actual guitars. Created and spearheaded by guitarist Kaki King, the exhibit was a showcase of 16 artists/fans interpretations of guitar art drawing from King’s songs.

Drawing a mainly large and hipster crowd, the one-night only show featured the unique creations hanging on a wire. (The Littlefield is architecturally reminiscent of Long Island City’s SculptureCenter, sans the performance stage). Using blank guitars donated by King’s guitar company Ovation, these artists made unique art that incorporated various media from paint to found objects. Some of these included Reni Papananias’ “Sad American,” which was a luggage containing old items; and Andrea Arceneaux’s “Pull Me Out Alive,” which incorporated graffiti-like designs.

The main highlight of the evening was Kaki King, who performed a couple of the songs that were inspired for some of the guitars, including “Night After Sidewalk.” For anyone who has never seen King perform live, it is certainly an event just to see how she finger picks the guitar strings to create sounds that are rich, full and tuneful. To casual folks, her style is reminiscent of both classical guitar playing and the avant-garde.

The performance was capped off with her rendition of her 2004 song “Playing with Pink Noise.” Sitting on a chair underneath white plastic tarp on the stage floor, King put on pink paint on her fingertips and played to the original prerecorded song on her blue guitar. As she explained in an interview for Spinner, the purpose was to show how her fingers traveled on the guitar as she was playing it. Over the course of the song, the audience members saw pink painted streaks and blotches all over the guitar. It will be later auctioned off for VH1’s Save the Music.

One is used to seeing guitars displayed as artifacts of music history in places the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Annex. However, the Exhibition offered a more unique take on the stringed instrument as an art object in itself.

Photos from the evening: http://www.flickr.com/photos/41238022@N05/sets/72157621982931348/

For more about The Exhibition and photos of the artists at work, visit http://www.facebook.com/KakiKingTheExhibition?ref=mf

Read an interview with Kaki King about the show on Spinner.com.

Those Darlins
Southpaw, Brooklyn, NY
July 10, 2009
Review by David Chiu

There has been some recent buzz for this trio whose members have the same last name. And that attention is deservedly warranted when you see them perform live with their spirited crossover music—sort of like country meets riot grrl punk.

These women from Murfreesboro, Tennessee—ukelele player Nikki Darlin, guitarist/bassist Jessi Darlin and bassist/guitarist Kelley Darlin—are really talented singers (each took turns on the lead vocals) and musicians who evoke charisma and feisty attiutde through their stage presence. Right from the get-go, their musicianship and singing were just dynamic and straight-ahead. One can feel the energy from their spirited music, whose songs were from their recently-released self-titled debut such as “222,” “DUI or Die” and “Mama’s Heart.”

It wasn’t also your average rock show too. During the performance, a dude in a chicken suit emerged and strutted onstage on one song. And close to the finale, the group showed a cute animated video of “Red Light Love” that was illustrated by Jessi Darlin. The only thing that kind of slowed down the momentum of the concert was when several audience members got up to shimmy with Nikki—especially this one curly-haired woman who was up there a few more times. That may work for Dan Deacon and Girl Talk, but it was a little bit distracting and kind of reminiscent of a scene from Coyote Ugly.

That aside, Those Darlins really put up a really good rock and roll show. It won’t be surprising that in a year from now, these artists will be playing on an even bigger stage and garnering more attention and raves. Catch them early when you can.

Read the review here.

Photos by David Chiu.

Jill Hennessy
Borders, Columbus Circle, New York
June 17, 2009
Review and Photos by David Chiu

History has not always been kind to actors/celebrities-turned-singers: David Hasselhoff, Don Johnson, Bruce Willis, Lindsay Lohan, Paris Hilton. Let’s just say that the material they have tackled—or God forbid written—can be mildly described as disappointing. And perhaps the only reason to have those records is for collectors and obsessed fans to have something by them, not for artistic quality. Exceptions are very rare; say for William Shatner, where his stint into music is more known for its camp value.

And then there’s Jill Hennessy, who is best known for her work on the television series Law and Order and Crossing Jordan. However, to the possible surprise of the mainstream public, Hennessy has sunk her teeth into music before acting. According to her Web site, she had played music by busking in her native Toronto; later when she was living in New York City in the early ‘90s, she also was performing with a band, the New Originals, on the subway. Growing up she was raised on the music of Cat Stevens, Elton John and Joni Mitchell.

Earlier this week Hennessy released her debut album, Ghosts in My Head, which coincided with her scheduled show at The Living Room on Tuesday. Tonight she was at Borders as part of an instore performance and signing. Accompanied by a pianist/accordionist, a guitarist and a cellist, the singer performed a few cuts from the album. All of the songs carry a country-folk inspired sound that is expansive in terms of the musicianship and the introspective lyrics.

Those who probably heard Hennessy singing voice for the first time could immediately draw comparisons to Natalie Merchant and Cowboy Junkies’ Margo Timmins—it was both very earthy and soulful. One could really hear the shimmering sound emanating from her acoustic guitar, which certainly reflects her past experiences in playing. By the way she projected herself onstage, Hennessy wasn’t posing or acting rock star cool—here was someone who actually enjoyed making music.

Overall Hennessy was very impressive as a musician. Her genuine singing and playing proves that this isn’t a vanity project. Let’s hope that Ghosts in My Head is not a one-shot moment but the start of more new music from her to come.

Set List:

10,000 Miles
For Small Hands
Ghosts In My Head
Save Me
Oh Mother

Patti Smyth and Scandal
B.B. King Blues Club and Grill
June 13, 2009
Review by David Chiu

One of the first Scandal songs I heard back in the early ‘80s was “Love’s Got a Line On You.” I thought then it was one of the greatest pop songs ever—even listening to it again today, it’s still sounds magnificent. In fact, “Love’s Got a Line On You” was also one of the first 45 singles I bought; its flipside was “Goodbye To You,” which continues to be one of the band’s most popular hits.

So it seemed appropriate that “Love’s Got a Line On You” would be the first song that opened Patti Smyth and Scandal’s show on Saturday at B.B. King Blues Club and Grill. The band, which reunited a few years ago, and featuring original members Patty Smyth, Keith Mack and Benjy King, was making a homecoming appearance at the comfy and cozy venue. Thus, it turned out to be special in more ways than one.

For those who need a refresher course, Scandal was a pop-rock band formed in New York City that emerged at the height of the early ‘80s New Wave scene. They released a hugely successful EP in 1982—it contained “Goodbye to You and “Love’s Got a Line On You.” That was followed by their first, and so far only, full-length album, The Warrior (1984), which yielded a hit in the title track. Shortly after, the band broke up and singer Smyth went on to a solo career. Her biggest hit was the ballad “Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough” in 1992. Now that Scandal is back, Smyth and company are planning to release their first new album of original material in 25 years.

The set list from Saturday’s show mainly drew from the EP and The Warrior album as well as Smyth’s 1992 solo album. It was a seamless mix of upbeat power pop rockers (“Beat of a Heart,” “Talk to Me”) and mature, heartfelt music (“Wish I Were You,” “No Mistakes”). One of the pleasant surprises during the set was I Should Be Laughing, a great song off of Smyth’s previous solo album that should have been a bigger hit upon its initial release. The band also performed a new song, Hard To Make You Love Me, which sounds like a classic Patty Smyth/Scandal track and is a promising indicator of the new music to come.

As far as the band’s performance goes, the musicians, including new members Eran Asias and Tom Welsch, were on the mark and sounded tight. But certainly the focal point was Smyth who vocally still got it—her singing sounded stronger as the evening went on, especially on the ballads Sometimes Love and No Mistakes. Her moves and attitude still conveyed feistiness while also displaying a charming sense of humor in between songs; at one point she got off stage and sang and navigated to the audience members sitting at the tables during “Talk to Me.”

Two interesting highlights came during the encore. The first was the band’s cover of Ike and Tina Turner’s River Deep, Mountain High, which closed the show. The second and perhaps somewhat surreal was moment when tennis great (and Smyth’s husband) John McEnroe got on stage with the band. He sang and played guitar for a rocking version of “What a Wonderful World.”

Set List:

1. Love’s Got a Line On You
2. Heartache Heard Round The World
3. Hands Tied
4. Talk To Me
5. Beat of a Heart
6. Isn’t It Enough
7. Sometimes Love Just Ain’t Enough
8. Hard For You To Love Me (new song)
9. No Mistakes
10. I Should Be Laughing
11. The Warrior
12. Wish I Were You
13. Goodbye To You

Encore
14. What a Wonderful World (featuring John McEnroe)
15. River Deep, Mountain High

For an interview with Patty Smyth in Spinner.com, click here:

Photo from pattysmythandscandal.com

Credit: David Chiu