Browse News+Opinion
Browse Calendar+Scene
Browse Arts+Movies
Browse Food+Drink
Browse Music+Clubs
Saturday, May 31, 2008
A Piccolo highlight: Lovell Sisters at Music Hall (wow)
Posted by T. Ballard Lesemann on Sat, May 31, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Through two sets of original songs, various bluegrass and country standards, and reworkings of blues and pop songs, Georgia acoustic group The Lovell Sisters delighted a packed house at the early-afternoon gig (Sat. May 31) at the Charleston Music Hall (37 John St.). Presented by the venue and Bennett Hoffard Company, fiddler/singer Jessica Lovell, dobro player/singer Megan Lovell, and mandolinist/singer Rebecca Lovell were in fine form and very high spirits.
Backed by additional guitarist Matt Wingate (a MerleFest guitar pickin’ champ) and upright bassist Andy Nall (a longtime Lovell family friend from the hometown of Calhoun, Ga.), the Sisters blazed through their first set, offering plenty of newly-written material (“Blood is Thicker,” a ballad about a inter-sibling love triangle stood out) and a few gems off their album When Forever Rolls Around (Jessica said, “We’d like to do one from our first album … well, it’s out only album so far, but that just sounds better!”).
There was plenty clowning around, sassiness, and genuine graciousness between Jessica, Megan, and Rebecca — which was amusing and endearing, but three main elements of the concert struck the audience: the sisters’ high level of technical skill on their individual instruments; their distinctive singing styles and vocal agility; and their increasingly expansive song compositions.
While Jessica may have stood out as the more vocal “frontlady” with the jumpiest stage presence and more to say on the mic between songs (she’s a fun and respectful emcee), Rebecca shined brightly with fiery virtuosity on the mandolin and a deep, soulful singing style — a hugely impressive feat, as she’s a mere 17 years of age. On dobro and lap steel, Megan’s solid technique and more stoic on-stage demeanor added balance to the boisterous jammin’ happened across the stage (at one point, she dedicated a piece to Union Station dobroist Jerry Douglas — “the man who inspired me to play this instrument”). All three swapped solos with Wingate, who dazzled with his dizzying flat-picking.
All three sang beautifully through out the night — from tearful melancholic original ballads like “Cryn’ My Heart Out” to grassed-up version of Johnny Cash, a cool-strumming cover of Don Williams, and a respectful cover of Linda Ronstadt (their “chilled out” version of Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt’s “I’m Blowing Away” was inspired by a clip on YouTube.com).
One of the more amusing moments came during a closing number (a “train song … not too fast, please”). It’s always cool to see a professional act recover from mishap — especially with humor and grace. Jessica stood at the mic after the intro looking sightly confused while the rest of group played though what should have been the first verse. Her bandmates started grinning and cracking up. Jessica looked over to Rebecca, then to Megan, then stopped the song. “I can’t remember the first verse!” Her sisters nearly fell down laughing (Rebecca actually dropped to her knees), and the crowd chuckled with them. “Should we play this again?” Jessica asked. The audience roared, and they tore back into it, nailing every solo and vocal harmony. Such a recovery would have won approval from most audiences, but this audience had been totally won-over by the opening tune.
A Piccolo highlight: Lovell Sisters at Music Hall (wow)
Posted by T. Ballard Lesemann on Sat, May 31, 2008 at 5:30 PM
Through two sets of original songs, various bluegrass and country standards, and reworkings of blues and pop songs, Georgia acoustic group The Lovell Sisters delighted a packed house at the early-afternoon gig (Sat. May 31) at the Charleston Music Hall (37 John St.). Presented by the venue and Bennett Hoffard Company, fiddler/singer Jessica Lovell, dobro player/singer Megan Lovell, and mandolinist/singer Rebecca Lovell were in fine form and very high spirits.
Backed by additional guitarist Matt Wingate (a MerleFest guitar pickin’ champ) and upright bassist Andy Nall (a longtime Lovell family friend from the hometown of Calhoun, Ga.), the Sisters blazed through their first set, offering plenty of newly-written material (“Blood is Thicker,” a ballad about a inter-sibling love triangle stood out) and a few gems off their album When Forever Rolls Around (Jessica said, “We’d like to do one from our first album … well, it’s out only album so far, but that just sounds better!”).
There was plenty clowning around, sassiness, and genuine graciousness between Jessica, Megan, and Rebecca — which was amusing and endearing, but three main elements of the concert struck the audience: the sisters’ high level of technical skill on their individual instruments; their distinctive singing styles and vocal agility; and their increasingly expansive song compositions.
While Jessica may have stood out as the more vocal “frontlady” with the jumpiest stage presence and more to say on the mic between songs (she’s a fun and respectful emcee), Rebecca shined brightly with fiery virtuosity on the mandolin and a deep, soulful singing style — a hugely impressive feat, as she’s a mere 17 years of age. On dobro and lap steel, Megan’s solid technique and more stoic on-stage demeanor added balance to the boisterous jammin’ happened across the stage (at one point, she dedicated a piece to Union Station dobroist Jerry Douglas — “the man who inspired me to play this instrument”). All three swapped solos with Wingate, who dazzled with his dizzying flat-picking.
All three sang beautifully through out the night — from tearful melancholic original ballads like “Cryn’ My Heart Out” to grassed-up version of Johnny Cash, a cool-strumming cover of Don Williams, and a respectful cover of Linda Ronstadt (their “chilled out” version of Ronstadt and Bonnie Raitt’s “I’m Blowing Away” was inspired by a clip on YouTube.com).
One of the more amusing moments came during a closing number (a “train song … not too fast, please”). It’s always cool to see a professional act recover from mishap — especially with humor and grace. Jessica stood at the mic after the intro looking sightly confused while the rest of group played though what should have been the first verse. Her bandmates started grinning and cracking up. Jessica looked over to Rebecca, then to Megan, then stopped the song. “I can’t remember the first verse!” Her sisters nearly fell down laughing (Rebecca actually dropped to her knees), and the crowd chuckled with them. “Should we play this again?” Jessica asked. The audience roared, and they tore back into it, nailing every solo and vocal harmony. Such a recovery would have won approval from most audiences, but this audience had been totally won-over by the opening tune.
Friday, May 30, 2008
North E was intense, man
Posted by T. Ballard Lesemann on Fri, May 30, 2008 at 4:27 PM
Bandleader John Harrison — the bearded main dude, lead singer, guitarist, and synth player in Chapel
Hill rock/fuzz-pop band North Elementary — really went to town with the noisy rockstuff last night (May 29) at the Village Tavern, sharing gear and band members with fellow N.C. indie rock band Schooner in front of a small but supportive crowd. At one point during the first number, as a pounded chords out of a small keyboard at stagefront, Harrison kinda resembled an angry-looking Seth Rogan … or at least a grouchy, PBR-swiling Seth Rogan … it was awesome.
Blues are hoppin' at Mad River
Posted by T. Ballard Lesemann on Fri, May 30, 2008 at 4:12 PM
Word from blues series organizer Gary “Shrimp City Slim” Erwin came in that this year’s Early Bird Blues series — part of Piccolo Spoleto’s Blues/Jazz events — has been packing the crowds to capacity at the Mad River Bar and Grille (32-B N. Market St., 888-374-2656). We checked out last evening’s performance from Old Crow and barely fit into the room, which was teeming with older tourists, yuppies, crusty local blues fans, and entire family units.
Old Crow was on stage for two full sets of acoustic Delta blues, ragtime, blues-rock, and bluegrass (played on fiddle, dobro, double bass, guitar, field snare and harmonica). Guitarist/vocalist Jim Crow led the way on several numbers, swapping lines with Smoky Weiner and Hazel Ketchum. Crow sounded really cool on their rendition of Tom Waits’ syncopated tune “Jockey Full of Bourbon.”
Ketchum switched between acoustic guitar duties and playing an antique marching snare with a pair of brushes (she’s pictured here after the show with Smoky Weiner). The crowd was into it —way more than we expected, especially for a happy hour scene in the Market. Thumbs up to Mad River for hosting these events — this might turn out to be an important venue for more blues and jazz events to come.
There’s more to come in the Early Bird series. Aussie blues-rock guitarist Geoff Achison performs this evening and on Mon. June 2 at 4 p.m. S.C. legedn Drink Small gets down on Tues June 3 at 4 p.m. Chicago blues/rockabilly guitarist Matt Walsh and his duo perform on Thurs. June 5 at 4 p.m. Fans and novices who dig boogie, authentic country blues, indigenous roots music, and a gritty bar atmosphere should make plans to attend. Cover is $10. Music runs from 4-7 p.m.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Jay Clifford video shoot on Sunday, 6/1
Posted by T. Ballard Lesemann on Thu, May 29, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Singer/songwriter Jay Clifford — a longtime local favorite, formerly of Charleston pop/rock band Jump (a.k.a. Jump, Little Children) — has been keeping mighty busy this spring. This Sunday (June 1), he and a group of musical colleagues will set up on the stage at the Village Tavern for a special music video shoot for “Know When to Walk Away,” the lead-off track on his new solo album. The video shoot is open to the public (there’s a $2 cover at the door).
Directed by actor/writer/filmmaker/music fan Zach Braff (of TV’s Scrubs … he also wrote and directed 2004’s Garden State), the final clip for will be edited and arranged with footage from the Tavern as well as fan-generated footage.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for those of you who have always dreamed of being a rock star or aspire to be the next Spielberg,” Braff says on the video production web page. “This is your chance to make your fantasy a reality! It couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is download the song, grab a camera, rock out, and then send it.
According to the venue, Clifford and his band will run through the song several times, then perform the Garden State soundtrack in its entirety for the crowd afterward.
Clifford is set to perform during the Piccolo Fringe series next week. He’ll play a three-night gig, from June 5-7, at the American Theater (446 King St., 843-722-3456). Tickets are available for $15 at www.ticketmaster.com.
- Get half-off Voodoo's new tiki drink menu1 comment
- CofC finds a place for students' end-of-semester waste1 comment
- GOP chairwoman and GOP candidate disagree about God's will11 comments
- Shealy off the ballot, Haley dissed, and the Dems get all bigotty again4 comments
- #SouthernFoodRoadTrip: the last leg1 comment
- The same-sex marriage debate is a distraction39 comments
-
Diamonds North
There is nothing worse than a bitter fired employee. I work at a plant near… -boeingguy51
-
Pearlz
Fantastic service!
We visited on a busy Friday night and the restaurant was… -twa318 -
Novel.
hi lauren hope your business does great ,we miss you all love uncle dean -Dean Hays
-
Autobanh Food Truck
I had an amazing sandwich tonight! Please go check them out soon. I promise that… -chssean
-
Halls Chophouse
I just had dinner at Halls for the first time recently and I admit, I… -aegr
-
It's Bikini Bash time at the Windjammer
Local band Brent Pace for Mayor performs the opening event
-
The JAC Jazz Series changes venue
Bands will perform up King Street at Father Figaro Hall
-
Luke Cunningham has a big L.A. story
Songwriter Cunningham talks about living in Los Angeles with Charleston's Mac Leaphart
-
Crowfield honors Johnny Diamond with new album
The band celebrates with two CD release shows at the Windjammer
-
Michael Franti and Spearhead clear their minds and share the vibes
For your love
