Downtown Jumps
This weekend, local jumpin' Jazz quartet Get Off Downtown will be doing what they do best -- hittin' the local clubs -- to promote their brand new release, Fresh Baked Buns. The band has been together for over a year and, since then, has shown that their brand of juke-joint Jazz has enough appeal to play well not only at traditional venues like Arnold's, but Rock havens like Sudsy Malone's as well.
On Buns, the group capably weave their way through a string of classics by the likes of Charlie Parker and Rogers & Hart, stamping each composition with their own swaggering personality. For example, a slow, boozy version of Thelonious Monk's "Well You Needn't" is crafted beautifully to fit in with the group's speakeasy strut -- even more so when the tempo lifts to its intended, swingin' pace.
While their description of their sound as "drunken bar band Jazz" fits the music's ambiance, it doesn't mean the Get Off players are hacks. The group -- bassist Brandon Essex, guitarist/vocalist Eric Evans, cornet player and vocalist Howard Peirce and drummer Katherine Tracy -- each bring good chops to the table, and their ability to play incredibly well off of each other, a vital necessity for any band worth its weight, is clearly evident. The band doesn't have the flash of some musicians, but it fits their style and is refreshing. The vocals, for instance, won't knock you off your seat. But, at the same time, a wailing diva front-person would be majorly distracting. For a raw, pure act like Get Off Downtown, you couldn't have it any other way than the way it is. Good stuff.
Rumors, Lies and General Misunderstandings
· A couple of local acts will open some of this weekend's biggest shows. Local Modern Rock crew Oval Opus have been added to the bill for this Saturday's Bogart's show featuring Guster. Showtime is 8 p.m. sharp. Meanwhile, The Fairmount Girls will be on hand for Saturday's Guided By Voices show at the Southgate House.
· Local group Second Sister's show this Saturday at Top Cat's will be simulcast on WAIF (88.3 FM). The radio show Live City Licks will begin broadcasting the band's show starting at midnight.
· The Mad Frog is hosting what is being called a "tribute to the counterculture movement" of the '60s on Saturday night. The night will groove to the Dead tunes of Jerry's Little Band, while Savory Mull will also be on hand with their brand of psychedelia. Far out, man.
· Saturday at Arlin's will feature three emerging local talents -- Folk/Pop artist Jake Speed, rockin' guitarist John Redell and the acoustic duo Amber & Virginia. The show is free.
· The new Viva! Restaurante (located in Over the Rhine at 1245 Main St.) will begin featuring live music during Friday happy hour, this week with The Jazzcasters. The restaurant will also feature DJs on Friday and Saturday nights, spinning Latin dance music.
· The Fitton Center for Creative Arts in Hamilton continues its "Music Cafe" series this Tuesday with a wide-range of area talent taking the stage. The Sounds of Grass offer up Bluegrass; Get Luck, Spiral, and the Bromwell/Diehl Band bring the Rock & Roll; Mark Messerly and Brian Ewing and Bill and Jeremy Francis play some singer/songwriter fare; and Bill Devore and Dennis Berry will be playing World Music. The performances begin at 10 p.m. For more info call 863-8873.
Send all music-related materials to MIKE BREEN, CityBeat, 23 E. Seventh St., Suite 617, Cincinnati, OH 45202 or e-mail him at letters@citybeat.com
