Briefs

By Stephen Centanni

Contributing writer

With the bountiful possibilities of this year’s Mardi Gras season on everyone’s lips, I figured it was time to give the Port City a pep talk of sorts before we start the party.

Now, I know many of you have been hearing all the talk about NOLA’s Mardi Gras being extremely small, and there are already predictions of a lackluster attendance for their Carnivale and a stellar one for us. When I think about this, I think about all the local musical talent that could take advantage of this situation and really charm our out-of-town visitors.

It’s hard for bands, with a lack of recognition, to book in other cities. This is your chance to earn that recognition each of you rightly deserve and gain some fans in the process. So, tighten up those skins, tune those strings and polish those keys! We’re only days away from our biggest party!

Blivits back on track

There are many versatile bands in our city, and the proof can be seen in The Blivits. With a music scene that seems to feast or famine, I find these masters of ska to be the most aggressively driven band around town.

It is this serious attitude that has allowed them to win the John Mastroni Award at Florida’s Springfest 2003, earn a spot on the “Uncharted Zone” video countdown show, as well as release “To the One I Loathe.” After taking a break last summer, The Blivits are back on track literally and figuratively. The Blivits are starting to get back on the road with a show Feb. 4 in Tuscaloosa and then out to Texas A&M for a radio appearance in March. They are also back in the studio.

“We are recording a new record with Eddie Moore at Tracks in the Sand studio,” says front man Nick Palumbo. “It will be a true full length. The stuff we already have sounds amazing.”

Nick plans on this new CD taking The Blivits to the next level musically. They will delve a little bit into punk to go along with their ska sound. They also plan on incorporating instruments such as the cello and the piano into this new CD.

The new McCartyism

You gave them the Nappie for “Best Non-Local Band that Plays Here Regularly.” The Chris McCarty Band is rolling back through LoDa at Monsoon’s Feb. 11 to once again prove why they won. These guys have made a lifestyle out of touring with over 200 dates a year throughout the Southeast.

What keeps them on the road? Maybe it’s their skillful combination of folk-rock and soul or their electrifying stage presence. One thing is for sure; these guys have a very close relationship with their fans. Regular mass e-mails tell stories from the road through the eyes of McCarty and the boys.

As of now, Chris McCarty Band is trying their damnedest to gather votes in order to tour with The Dave Matthews Band. I personally think that this would be an excellent mix of two bands. All you have to do is follow the link on the band’s front page, and you will be prompted to vote for five bands that you would like to see tour with Dave. Get those fingers tappin’!

Gigolos in the ‘Kitchen

I can’t express how happy I am that Soul Kitchen has moved into a bigger building. Gone are the days of being pressed unwillingly into the bar while simultaneously trying to order a drink and enjoy the show.

The new location will get a proper breaking-in this Mardi Gras, but before they bring out the big guns, The Friday Night Gigolos will take the stage Feb. 4 for a night of grooves. This will be a chance to get your fix of this Jager band before they take a small break in touring to finish up their latest CD. They will still be playing a few select dates, but there won’t be any extensive touring until the release. This CD was already supposed to be released, but the project was delayed by a little squall called Hurricane Katrina. Look forward to a March release for that one.

If you can’t wait, and you need a little Gigolo love during their break, then front man David Lynn may have something for you. David has been playing with percussionist Manny Boyd and pianist Matt Caldwell under the name Tall Drink of Water.

It’s good to see that this is still going on in the music industry. I remember when The Black Crowes toured under the name Thunderbolt Grease Slapper. TDOW has already played a couple of dates in Mississippi, and there may be a few more chances for you to catch this side project in the future.

Fast forward to The Rewinds

The Rewinds plan on charming the Cell Block crowd Feb. 3 with a sound they call “Southern power pop.” These guys are in the process of releasing their debut CD, which was recorded at Vintage Vibe Studios in Atlanta. It’s now getting mastered by Emily Lazar, known for her work with The Shins and Third Eye Blind.

February will begin an extensive tour for this band across the continental United States. Influenced by musical acts ranging from Paul Westerberg to The Kinks, The Rewinds should gain a following nationwide with their sound.

The Rewinds sound reminds me of a mix between Weezer and The Strokes. Some of their songs like “Everytime” place them in the realm of the underground with a British sound.

Other songs such as “Sentimental Flaw” have a radio friendly feel with it, consistent riffs and ballad-like vocals. Whether you’re a fan of underground music or not, The Rewinds should be your bag if you’re into the new alternative sound.

Stephen Centanni is a contributing writer for Lagniappe as well as the managing editor/senior writer for Volume Entertainment Magazine. He is currently on tour with Fry Cook learning the ways of the road. You can contact him at scentanni@lagniappemobile.com

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

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