November 2006

Yeah, sing a song, bros

Eddie November 30, 2006 No Comments

While some know the Great Northwest, and particularly Seattle, for its unusually high suicide rate, proliferation of flannel and the genesis of grunge, let it be known that the Blood Brothers are the city’s true calling card. The band seemed to revel in obscurity while recording for smaller indie labels at the start of its career—but, as luck would have it, relentless touring and word-of-mouth eventually catapulted these young men into the big leagues. Their latest album on V2 Records, Young Machetes, is visceral and ferocious; this is one group that continues to redefine the noisecore genre. Thankfully, their national tour routing includes a stop on Monday, December 4, at Empire, 1417 R Street. Along for the ride are … And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, Celebration, and Brothers and Sisters. Tickets are $19.50 in advance and $20 on the day of the show—which begins at 7:30 p.m. All ages are welcome and earplugs are encouraged. Call (916) 448-3300 for more information.
(SN&R)

Meet cute

Eddie November 23, 2006 No Comments

The race for the perfect band name is on. While Jon Cougar Concentration Camp, Ovarian Trolley and JFKFC still remain some of the best John Does ever, it would seem that most musical groups just don’t put enough emphasis on the alias. Although Cute Is What We Aim For, a four-piece hailing from Buffalo, N.Y., implies a sense of cynicism and playfulness, the moniker shouldn’t lead you astray. One listen to “The Curse of Curves” or the “Lyrical Lies” demo is proof positive that they have much more to offer the pop-punk world than just another pretty grouping of words. They’re on tour in support of The Same Old Blood Rush with a New Touch, a summer release from Fueled By Ramen Records. Catch the band live at Orangevale’s one-and-only all-ages music venue, the Boardwalk, 9426 Greenback Lane, on the 23rd. Also on the bill are the up-and-coming Hellogoodbye, Reggie and the Full Effect and David Melillo. Advance tickets are just $15. Call (916) 988-9247 for more information.
(SN&R)

Hit the Jackpot on Thanksgiving Eve

Eddie November 16, 2006 No Comments

Although the Jackpot lineup has morphed considerably since frontman Rusty Miller first started playing the club circuit, today’s incarnation seems to be firing on all cylinders. While the band hasn’t been quite as prolific these days, they still manage to find time in their busy schedules to eek out a show or two. Between John Gutenberger’s Two Sheds, Miller’s tours with Jason Lytle from Grandaddy, James Finch Jr.’s dabblings with Truck Fight and Prairie Dog, and Dave Brockman’s Miles project, the Jackpot machine travels on. As luck would have it, the band plays Wednesday at 9 p.m. at Old Ironsides, located at 1901 10th Street. Stay up late and sleep in on Thanksgiving Day. Also on the bill are An Angle, Ghosts Of California, and the multitalented Jessica Cuckovich. For only $10 (and the cost of enough booze to induce a mild swagger), this show is the place to start the long weekend.

(SN&R)

Bilingual jazz

Eddie November 9, 2006 No Comments

The Mondavi Center’s 2006-07 calendar is better than ever. With acts like the Moscow State Symphony Orchestra, the Chieftains, Taj Mahal, and Ravi Coltrane, the talent quotient this year is overwhelming. Brazilian jazz pianist and chanteuse Luciana Souza continues the venue’s tradition of world-class musicianship with a short run in the Mondavi’s Studio Theatre at UC Davis. Check out her aptly titled Brazilian Duos and Duos II on Sunnyside Records, if you haven’t already. They feature guitarist Romero Lubambo, who will join her for these special shows. Their interpretations of jazz, both in Portuguese and English, will mesmerize. Souza’s residency takes place November 14 through 18. Shows start promptly at 8 p.m. and all ages are welcome. Tickets are $36 for general admission and $18 for students and children. For more information, visit www.mondaviarts.org.
(SN&R)

Blues brother

Eddie November 2, 2006 No Comments

Every once in awhile, you may notice Kentucky Slim and Horsepower pop up on the Blue Lamp calendar. This is club owner Ed Stoner’s band and, unlike other acts that feature venue owners or talent buyers, this band doesn’t suck. While many of us know Ed as the guy who manages the house every weekend and occasionally runs sound, few understand his talents on the fret board. A listen to “Mississippi Payphone” or the rockin’ “Big Yellow Mama” at www.myspace.com/kentuckyslim should make both blues enthusiasts and rock fans rejoice. If you’re a fan of slide guitar, few in the Sacramento Valley can trump his talent. This Thursday, Kentucky Slim will grace the Blue Lamp stage, at 1400 Alhambra Boulevard, for a night of sheer blues bliss. The cover charge is $5 and the show starts at 9:30 p.m. Visit www.bluelamp.com for more info.
(SN&R)