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TLAMS Night Out : August 7th
In what started off as an impromptu jam session of Luis Armstrong's song "Wonderful World" between Dave Hamilton, the keyboardist for The Green Room and local passerby Tarrance Polite, theLAMusicScene.com night at Common Grounds went on, non stop, until chairs were placed on tables and we were politely asked to leave. The semi acoustic evening included The Green Room, Cherry Suede and Alison Allison, with host Marcela (the Detachable Pianist) and the last minute addition of Matt Ellis.
The Green Room, a strong and confident 5-piece rock band played a semi-acoustic set with drummer Luis Velazquez on percussion with mallets. The bands "great American rock sound" is driven quite a bit by their use of keyboards / piano, which plays an integral role in their music, not just an accompaniment. Vocalist McCoy Borja has a warm voice and a presence about himself that carries the tunes in a powerful way.
In the song "Need Someone" the music dropped down and bass player Marcus Irvin and their keyboardist, Dave Hamilton sang background vocals in an extremely catchy bridge; "be the one, need someone." The music differed a bit from their CD, largely in part, because guitarist Joe Hamilton played acoustic for the evening, which is somewhat off pace of their full live sound.
Following The Green Room, Matt Ellis, from Australia, played a short 15-minute set after a mix up in scheduling. The singer/songwriter, accompanied by violinist Sean Windsor played a style with a folk edge and a darker rock influence. If you're going to check out Matt's music, check out track 3, "The Cause," from his independently debut release Peel.
Cherry Sued played what could be described as a more popular rock influenced style. Their sound has similar elements found in some of the Beatles earlier work mixed with a strong early 90's (popular) soft rock sound. Lead singer, Randy Scott, vocal style could be compared in tonality to Bryan Adams. Randy's voice fits right in with the dynamic and full sound of their guitar, bass and drums line up.
Songs like "If You Were Mine," "I'd treat you right, I'd always stay right by your side," and "What You Do To Me," "because when you do, just what you do to me, you make everything alright," express the groups feel good, upbeat sound that is emphasized by the bands positive lyrics and energy. The band didn't miss a beat playing a great set of strong material.
Following a short two-song transition by host and songwriter Marcela (the Detachable Pianist), Alison Allison started their set with a slow grooving bass line that built into a full instrumental rhythm section. The bands, "Power Pop Fun," as they are described on their promotional stickers, fits in the style of bands like Matchbox 20 and the Goo Goo Dolls, "Adult Alternative." The 4-piece band features Alison Allison on lead vocals, Paul Fantini on guitar / background vocals, William Bowling on bass and Jon Poli on drums.
In the midst of it all, Alison introduced a great new song called "Bridges" and played a familiar favorite "Time of Day." The music is something you'd expect to hear in a movie, spend days trying to find the soundtrack, only to run out and buy an album and listen to it until you can't take it anymore. The music is well arranged, very polished, melodic, and Alison has a sultry voice.
Marcela (the Detachable Pianist) played the evening out past closing. Marcela's strong and distinct voice, often compared to Tori Amos, captured everyone's attention and held them until the very last minute. While Marcela plays quite a few originals that many people know, like "I Can Corrupt" and "Tulips in June," she also include a cover of the song "Yellow Ledbetter" by Pearl Jam showing her diversity.
If you'd like to be there next time, join TLAMS September 7th for the next theLAMusicScene.com night at Common Grounds.
Article by: Seth S.
Email: seth@thelmusicscene.com
Photos By: Seth S.
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