How John Grant turned abuse and loss into MOJO‘s number one album.
Kurt B. Reighley
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Bending the Rules
Baby Dee’s Erratic Mythology
Music has rules. From voice leading in Western harmony to the entry requirements for American Idol, the authorities tell us certain guidelines must be followed. Such is the way forward. Not so for Baby Dee. In her storied life, this multi-instrumentalist and songwriter has progressed erratically, backwards, sideways. With her latest album, Safe Inside the […]
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The Constant Crooner
Bettye LaVette Keeps the Soul Coming
The full story of many a musical comeback typically involves years spent working outside of show business. Jazz singer
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Pop on the Rocks
The Dead Science Subvert the Formula
Fans and critics alike get it twisted when pressed to describe moody Seattle trio the Dead Science. Seattle rag Earshot Jazz Monthly once likened the pipes
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Anniemal Instinct
Norway’s New Pop Royalty
When it comes to women in pop, historically the biggest names are singular: Cher, Madonna. Even ladies
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Country Lovin’
James William Hindle’s Small Town Feeling
James William Hindle Sun July 10 Mississippi Studios 3939 N. Mississippi Like many aspiring artists, English singer-songwriter James William Hindle felt compelled to ditch his small-town origins (a village outside Leeds) in order to find success. And initially, he admits, living in London proved advantageous. “I met a lot of like-minded people with whom I […]
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International Pop Overthrow
Feist Crosses Borders, Styles
Feist Fri June 17 Roseland 8 NW 6th Subtle is not an adjective traditionally applied to the Bee Gees. Mention the Brothers Gibb, and folks immediately remember the relentless disco-mania following Saturday Night Fever and those high-octane falsetto harmonies. But take a moment and revisit “How Deep Is Your Love” or “Too Much Heaven,” and […]
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Dancing Queen
R&B Royalty Sharon Jones
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings Tues May 17 Doug Fir Lounge 830 E Burnside Sharon Jones is one of the fastest-rising R&B singers around. Her instrument and stage presence rival the greats: Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight. She’s got moves, too. When Jones dances, audiences leap to their feet. She puts Ciara, Ashanti, Mya, and all […]
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Leeding Lads
Kaiser Chiefs Aim High
Kaiser Chiefs Sun March 13 Doug Fir Lounge 830 E Burnside For Leeds quintet Kaiser Chiefs, success began with an innocent boast. It was late summer, 2003. The lads were frolicking in the crowd at the Leeds Festival, one of England’s weekend-long music extravaganzas. Suddenly, guitarist Andrew “Whitey” White addressed bassist Simon Rix. “Next year,” […]
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Two Become One
The Improbable Math of Two Gallants
Two Gallants Wed Dec 22 Meow Meow 320 SE 2nd Listening to pioneering jazz pianist Jelly Roll Morton in the tour van. Thanking John Fahey, the iconoclastic, eccentric guitarist who married traditional finger picking styles to a host of unlikely genres, in your CD liner notes. These are activities one would associate with a 46-year-old […]
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All the Way Live
Neko Case: Brains, Brawn, and Balladry
Neko Case Mon Nov 29 Aladdin Theater 3017 SE Milwaukie Got a friend who claims they don’t like country music? If they don’t change their tune after hearing The Tigers Have Spoken, the new live CD (on Anti) by Neko Case, drop ’em like a hot rock. This superlative 11-song set teems with gutsy, high-spirited […]