03/10/07 – Music: Eilen Jewell, Amy LaVere
Musically speaking, each of these ladies has been moving me for awhile. Ms Jewell, who has a terrific record out called Boundary County, just played a house concert at my home a week ago that left the 50+ attendees pretty stunned. She’s got the voice, the songs and the band to garner attention beyond our little New England folk & roots scene. While her debut record leans heavy in a bluesy, slow groove direction, the new stuff she previewed here last Saturday night swings real good. Her band is lock-step with her and judging by the knowing grins before and after songs, you can tell they too know it’s all clicking. Guitarist Jerry Miller, of Jack Smith & Rockabilly Planet fame, is a vital cog in Eilen’s arsenal and works the steel guitar and Gibson like the master he is giving Eilen’s songs dimensions that few 6-stringer’s can provide. Catch ’em while you can.
On another not, another gal singer/songwriter lighting me up is Amy LaVere. Based out of Memphis and working that stand-up bass like she owns it, LaVere’s voice is a bit of an acquired taste. We’ll delve into her down the line.
Oh yeah, how ’bout them Rhody Rams knocking off Xavier! NCAAs? Why the heck not! Later….