Not every band out of Nashville is country, and
making the point is Thornton, a two-man group that performs sexually ambiguous rock material that falls
somewhere between cabaret and gospel. The group is described as “experimental,” but the music is too melodic and listenable for
that misleading term. Micah Walk, a local singer/songwriter with a sweetly
deceptive voice, a deftly underplayed guitar, and a bunch of good songs,
opens the show at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 31, at 11 West (11 W. Old State
Capitol Plaza, 217-527-9911).
So
you were wondering: What exactly is a Moonlight Rhythm Ranger? Well, the
only way to know for sure is to go see one or several, as the case may be.
Your opportunity for listening to and gazing at these rare and talented
fellas is Friday night at the Underground City Tavern (700 E. Adams St.,
217-789-1530). Opening the show at 10 p.m. as an honorary MMR is local
legend and incredible keeper of all songs great and good Antone DeRocchi.
The
Scruggs name has been a part of country/roots/bluegrass music every since
the great Earl stood the world on its collective ear with his innovative
banjo playing as a member of Bill Monroe’s Bluegrass Boys. His
grandson Chris is now out making music with the same pugnacious attitude
and abundant talent that drove the old man. Scruggs has played with Rosie
Flores, has been a member of BR549, and is now carving his own niche in the
rockabilly/roots-rock world. See him Saturday night at the Underground City
Tavern. Opening the show is the dynamic duo of Rodney Patterson and Michael
Sullivan, leftover Rhythm Rangers from the night before.
Play
it again, Sam. That’s what they’ve been saying for years around
here, and that’s what Sam Crain, innovative jazz guitarist, continues
to do. A prolific songwriter and CD producer, Crain will release his 12th
disc, Bird’s Eye View, this Friday at Robbie’s when the Sam Crain Quartet plays
the Uptown Friday Night series from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The recording features
the outstanding jazz musicianship of Kevin and Cassie Hart, Perry Rask,
Brian Justison, Andy Burtschi, and Darin Holthaus, along with the brilliant
songs and playing of the indomitable Crain.
This article appears in Mar 31 – Apr 6, 2005.
