When I found out Simon Dawes was being considered as an opener for Eisley’s Spring 2006 tour I needed to see what the draw was. What I found, after driving five hours to see them at The Echo was the next Hot Hot Heat. Frontman Taylor Goldsmith has the same star quality backed by quite a bit of talent. Instead of just keyboards, he fronts with guitar and carries it about as an axe. He writes some very interesting songs to boot. For some reason I think of Tom Petty, Lou Reed and Dave Matthews. Quite good company to be compared to. There is a sense of humor and the band is tight and talented. Guitarist Blake Mills came on stage for the encore proclaiming “I am going to play every note from the entire set.” He then entertained the enthralled audience to a “Jimmy Page like” guitar solo. Drummer Stuart Johnson periodically ran on stage and hit the sustain pedals to add to the excitement. The band’s current EP on Record Collection is called “What No One Hears.” The fun thing about this record is trying to pin down the influences while enjoying the talented playing. I think of the Beatles ” Bungalow Bill” from the White Album. “Stay Seventeen” has Bowie moments. All this while wondering if there was a party going on during the recording. Anyway, get out and see this band and enjoy the pictures.
Opener, The Burmese Crowd from San Francisco had a tall Peter Garrett(Midnight Oil) like singer who initially seemed a little too mechanical in his movements but as the set progressed he became more in sync and the set’s second half did it for me. The cd by the same name features singer Jason Mann’s excellent vocals. The songs have some good moments and just need a little tightening up. The band definitely has strong potential.
No Sex Just Dancing features a front man who’s father is a famed National Geographic photographer. But, no coattails needed here as the band stands on its own. This could be another following the likes of Jason Mraz and John Mayer. They have yet to release a recording. So get in on them early.
After the early all ages show ended we headed over to Spaceland to catch. Vagenius. I knew nothing of this band but when I saw Jeff the photographer I knew it had to be good. A girl lead singer described as ” hot” was enough for me to know I was in the right place. When Julliette Commagere came on stage my anticipation soared. She was dressed like an indian princess headed to a biker rally. She carried a strapped on keyboard and had a tatoo down her back. It was Wendy O Williams meets KD Lang. Her vocals are beautiful, more easily noted on the recording. By listening to it I came up with the KD comparison. Her stage presence is seductive. I found out later that she has had label action in the past and is getting interest now. Guitarist Jared Smith is quite an accomplished player. He had a custom built guitar with all kinds of gadgets on it. The last time I saw something like that was JJ Cale’s soundboard guitar. Opener Layton was fronted by a beautiful singer as well. I did not get a recording so I can’t comment a whole lot on them. I liked the singer’s Spanish dancer like movements and the guitarist and her had a nice interaction going.
Until the next show.
Looks like I will be reporting on the state of musical affairs in New Orleans with Dr John as my guide.
