Briefs

The fall music line-up is looking strong. Between BayFest and Sound Stage Live, not to mention the tremendous job our local venues are doing, this city is going to be alive with the sounds of music. None of that Rodgers and Hammerstein stuff, but just about every other kind you can think of.

Queensryche for a day

I must admit I had an amazing time at the Queensryche show. Even though I never was a huge fan of their music, I was thoroughly impressed with both their stellar performance and dramatic stage show. It was also a relief to see that front man Geoff Tate had not lost his pipes over the years.

My biggest turn-on with this show was the hundreds of dedicated fans that energetically rocked the night away even though some songs had to be cut due to singer Pamela Moore’s bout with food poisoning. Kudos to the emergency room staff at Mobile Infirmary for taking her so quickly, and kudos to Sound Stage Live for another great show.

Temple of Sound

Speaking of Sound Stage Live, they have joined forces with The Temple to give it another go-round with trying to make this mysterious historical landmark the venue it should be. Tickets are already on sale for Marcia Ball (Sept. 22), Indigenous (Sept. 28), Shawn Colvin (Oct. 17) and Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush (Oct. 28). Tickets are available for all of these shows at Ticketmaster outlets, www.templemobile.com or by calling 251-434-0033.

I’m looking forward to checking out Indigenous. People have regaled me with stories of their talent for years now, and I’ve never had the chance to see a live performance. These bluesy rockers from the Nakota Nation in South Dakota earned praises from everyone from Bonnie Raitt to Jackson Browne for their EP “Blues This Morning” and continue to gather fans worldwide.

Sounds from the Underground

On Sept. 28, the sounds of the underground from both New England and Mobile will emanate from the confines of WeMo’s Satori Sound and Coffeehouse. Straight out of the streets of Brooklyn come the edgy duo of Matt and Kim.

Armed with a drum set and a synthesizer, Matt and Kim pump out some pretty trippy tunes. Their vocals and instrumentation remind me of a coked-up version of The Cure. Don’t worry, they would take that as a compliment. Joining them will be their tour mates King Tuff. This Vermont-based garage band is an admirable flashback to the sounds of the British invasion.

Representing Mobile will be that unholy father of all that is blasphemous Roman Gabriel Todd and his Beast Rising Out of the Sea. RGT’s Beast scored major music scene points a couple of months ago with his cross-country tour out to the West Coast and all points in between.

I think it’s safe to say the unknowing crowds he met along the way were pummeled with this duo’s drum and junior bass fury.

Complimenting RGT’s Beast will be Joe Butler with his hellfire damnations that are sure to be a hit with the crowd. I’ve also heard rumors The Difference Engine may also be representing Mobile at this show. I consider these young men to be one of the finest noise bands in the Mobtown Underground with tons of promise. You really don’t want to miss this show.

Oteil and the Peacemakers at the Kitch

The name Oteil Burbridge may not seem very familiar until you look at his lengthy and impressive resumé. He made his way from his hometown of Washington, D.C. to the capital of the Dirty South a.k.a. Atlanta. In Atlanta, he made the acquaintance of a man named Col. Bruce Hampton who was working with a band called The Aquarium Rescue Unit. Burbridge proved his worth with the Colonel, with his trademark barefoot performances on his six-string bass.

After his stint with ARU, Burbridge was recruited by the Allman Brothers Band. In 2000, Burbridge decided it was time to head to the front of the stage and formed Oteil and the Peacemakers.

Oteil and the Peacemakers made a pit stop at the studio before heading out on the road. Even though Burbridge was born north of the Mason-Dixon, his music is definitely saturated in the sounds of organic Southern rock. Songs like “No More Doubt” features Oteil’s smooth, soulful vocals backed by music that is traditionally Southern rock one minute then transforms into fusion jazz the next – a sound harnessed and forced into the confines of a CD called “Believer.”

On Sept. 15, you’ll have a chance to catch Oteil and the Peacemakers live at the Soul Kitchen. Tickets will be $10 at the door with doors opening at 10 p.m. There should be a lively crowd for this one, so get there early.

Can’t touch BayFest

With the days flying by until BayFest, a recent press conference revealed the latest additions to the Port City’s gigantic music festival. Get your parachute pants on and your dancing shoes ready for a blast from the past courtesy of none other than the untouchable M.C. Hammer.

Bayfest has also recruited the sinfully soulful talent of the legendary Patti LaBelle to mesmerize the crowd with her heavenly vocals. If soul isn’t your thing, then BayFest has also added a Mobile favorite, Sister Hazel.

The BayFest powers-that-be have been scouting out some fresh national talent for the 2006 festival. Many of you have fallen in love with The Wreckers. This gorgeous modern alt-country duo is comprised of Michelle Branch and Jessica Harp. Their debut album on Maverick Records “Stand Still Look Pretty” has become quite a favorite among the youngsters, so I expect a big crowd at their performance.

On the country front, it was also announced the Cingular Wireless stage will be moved back to the corner of St. Joseph and Water. Tickets are $35 for a three-day pass and are available at all area Regions, Compass and AmSouth banks as well as online at www.bayfestmobile.com.

Stephen Centanni is Lagniappe music editor. Contact him at scentanni@lagniappemobile.com.

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