Rolling Cef Concert Reviews
Well, my first trip to Austin was "very cool" as Tara Maclean put it. The city was buzzing for the three nights I was there and although the temperatures were cold (a few degrees above freezing) the music was hot. A great combination of Canadian and U.S. talent filled the clubs. I saw every band that I set out to see and more. Here's my wrap-up..
The set kicked off in a subtle transition from a sound-check to crescendo into the first song. Two minutes before she on went the floor was empty, but by two minutes into the set, a good crowd flocked to the front. Vancouver-based Holly McNarland has a great voice but the vocals coming through the speakers sounded kind of empty. Despite the sound problems, she put on a great show. My favourite songs were "Water" and "Coward".
Tara Maclean, The Library
We just caught the end of the set for Tara Maclean. It was a packed house and Tara really had the crowd enticed compared to the last time I saw her in San Jose. After the show, a lot of people were trying to talk to her and it took her 20 minutes to get out the door. Before her last song Red, she even spotted someone she remembered from the Beaches in Toronto.
PURE, Liberty Lunch
We got to the PURE show early. While we were waiting, I turned around and who was standing behind me - Holly McNarland! I immediately stepped over and made conversation. I talked to her about her show, the CD, the U.S. market, record companies, Canada, The Horseshoe Tavern, the Junos... She told me to fuck off - No, just kidding. She told me she sang back-up on the third track of PURE's second CD. Anyway, the PURE show was pretty good. They worked some different slide guitar sounds into the songs. I'm not really into this band yet, but I think they could grow on me. They played "Anna", but not "Denial".
Soul Asylum, Stubb's
Finally, we made our way over to the Soul Asylum concert. They played for well over an hour and sounded great, but most of the songs were new. I really wanted to hear "Without a Trace", but the only songs I recognized were "Black and Gold" and "Misery".
Jay Memory and Bubba Dean from Atlanta, who has recently decided to drop the "Bubba", make a great combination. Having transitioned from an acoustic duo act to a rock band, there seems to be a momentum that will carry them far. Great harmony vocals, strong songwriting, cool guitar riffs, and a genuine impression that they're having a blast makes me look forward to seeing them again. Too funny was the song "You Bitch" - a retribution for any girl with an attitude.
The Honeyrods, Stubb's
The boys from Nashville pulled off a solid show. The singer was looking a little tired, but the band played with a lot of energy. Impressive songwriting for a debut album.
Diana Jones, The Library
Called a poetic songwriter, local Austin chick sets herself apart by looking awfully sad while singing.
Susan Toney, The Library
A good singer from LA, but does nothing to set herself apart.
The New Grand, Babe's
Goods songs come from this London, Ontario band, but some more vocal practice is needed!! This band is also lacking a leader. The bass player sings most lead vocals, while one of the guitar players talks to the crowd in between songs, not really sure of what to say. Signed and brought to SXSW by Sonic Unyon, I beginning to think this indie label from Hamilton, Ontario may be a little too aggressive for its own good.
The girl who fronts this band from Vancouver has great stage presence and cool melodies, but I hate to say, this band needs a male singer and more lead guitar. The songs are good - rhythms are strong and melodies are cool, but the vocals are weak.
Trish Murphy, Fat Tuesday
If you stand close enough to stage, you can actually see the stars in her eyes. Her rock band with a country influence played to a packed house in their hometown of Austin. With a raspy voice and a huge smile, this little blond package of a woman won the crowd over not only throughout the club, but outside through the street window as well. With an awesome bass player and band, there is absolutely nothing missing. Her lyrics about growing up in Texas are honest are I'm sure she'll be seen belting them out all over the country and on TV in the coming year.
Holly Cole, Fat Tuesday
Making her return appearance to SXSW after 6 years, she seemed as fresh as anyone. Diversity is the key for this Toronto lady. She jumps from what sounds like a song out of the 30's to one that could be a current popular radio hit. Her professional song intros and deep seductive stares into the crowd kept everyone's attention for the duration of the set.
Rusty, Bob Popular
With toque bearing a Canadian flag, the singer rolls around on stage knocking over equipment and comments how fans in Canada love it. There wasn't much response for these guys, but it wasn't their fault. At the end of the fourth SXSW night at 1:30 in the morning, the crowd was justifiably thinning. I'm definitely not complaining, because the experience for me could not be any closer to having them play in my own living room. It was the guitar player's birthday and I know that because the singer mentioned it over and over. I appreciated hearing the hits like Groovy, Wake Me and Empty Cell.
Shannon Moore, The Library
As we strolled through 6th street to soak up the last bit of SXSW, a solo acoustic player from LA was still captivating an audience till past two in the morning. Her name was Shannon Moore. She has a great voice and can play acoustic guitar better than most that I saw over the past few days. Although she seemed like a relatively unknown, she's actually had some musical success. She spent a year in Vancouver and wrote songs for the show "Madison". She also had opening spots there for Jewel and Peter Frampton. I bought a cassette from her of the band she fronts, Deep Julia. There's a great song on it that she performed, called "Fucked Up". I promised her I come out and see her when she plays in the Bay Area.
Looking forward to next year!
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