Make the A-List Work for You
How does that work for you? Well, let’s say you’re talking to fascinating member of the opposite sex who expresses an interest in music. Maybe it’s Americana (see the A-List Archive 9/7) or classic indie rock (A-List Archive 9/9) or hot local artists (A-List Archive 9/21) or even world music (A-List Archive 9/14). You get it now, right? Use the A-List blog. Sound cool. Be more attractive.
This Week in Resurgens City
More than one person has asked me if I go to all these shows I write about. The truth is I don’t, I can’t. In the words of Robin Wilson, I have one good day job. The A-List is aspirational. With unlimited time and unlimited resources, what would I be doing this week? Probably this.
Having said that, I will be at both of this week’s shows. The fact that there are only two does make it easier, but if you happen to show up send me a text, wave hello, buy me a beer…whatever makes you feel good. This week’s venues and acts could not be more different.
Bernadette Seacrest & Her Provocateurs will be at Eddie’s Attic on Wednesday night, October 8. Before I get to the music (superior), songwriting (fantastic), performance (fun) and venue (perfect), I want to tell you why I started this blog. I have a big crush on Bernadette Seacrest! (Sorry Justin, but I do). I saw her and the Provocateurs for the first time about a year ago at the Highland Inn Ballroom. They were supporting a rather cool book reading event put on by a local bookstore that I am intentionally not mentioning because its event goes head-to-head with B & the Boys this week (and it won’t be nearly as cool as seeing her at Eddie’s). Seriously though, I told the woman I was dating at the time that I might have to leave her to start a cult devoted to the obsessive worship of this marvelously talented, funny, and sexy woman. I started telling everybody that they needed to go to her shows. Those e-mails sort inspired this e-mail. Bernadette you changed my life! ;-) Yes, I am so smitten I just used an emoticon. Save this one, ‘cuz you’ll never see that again.
I’m really not that big a fan of jazz, but if more people did it like Bernadette and Charles (guitar) and Chris (bass) I might be. This isn’t ground breaking stuff. Don’t expect Bela Fleck or some dissonant virtuoso in 15/8 time. It is classic chanteuse jazz – think Billie Holiday – but it is delivered with a casual irreverence that belies Bernadette’s roots as rockabilly punker. Charles writes the songs and they are well composed, literate and quite funny. I’m not the only one who thinks this – see Creative Loafing’s Best of Atlanta 2007 – but better yet find out for yourself and listen to God’s Been Drinking.
The last plug is for Eddie’s Attic which is always a great venue, but is particularly well suited for the Provocateurs. Charles and Chris are playing acoustically with the kind of skill that will make most jazzers blush. The no talking playing policy at Eddie’s will allow you to get lost in Bernadette’s vocal without losing track of the talent standing beside her. Not to be missed.
Friday night is quite the opposite. I will be at the Drunken Unicorn for Ra Ra Riot. Some might say this Syracuse sextet follows in the footsteps of one of this year’s big buzz bands – Vampire Weekend (who sold out (I think) the Variety in June). I might disagree, but if you are familiar with Vampire Weekend or saw Wolf Parade when they were in town, then you probably don’t want to miss this show. If you have no clue what I am talking about check out “Dying is Fine” and linger about the site for a couple of minutes to hear the rest.
A word about The Drunken Unicorn. It’s on Ponce. There is no sign. The show may be all ages. Visit the website for directions…really. You know you’re close from the din you’ll hear when somebody cracks the door. Definitely text me if you show.
Karnack’s Corner
Grace Potter & the Nocturnals – October 18, Variety Playhouse. TV on the Radio – October 25, Tabernacle. Halloween – October 31, Everywhere.
That’s the A-List and Brenda Lee’s coming on strong.
by Gunter Grass. All are welcome.
