There has been a lot of good entertainment to choose from lately. With the opening of the Phoenix Theater many different types of acts have a place to come together and be heard.
Phoenix Theater
Friday, January 17th
Folk artists Paisel, Cynthia Brando, and Pangea took the stage, and all delivered a great show.
Shep Straub and Jeremy Marshall of Paisel treated the audience to some sweet two-piece vocal and guitar work.
Cynthia Brando deserves special attention because it was her first performance on a big stage. Her smoldering, heartfelt songs implied that it would not be her last. Way to go Cynthia!
Pangea had the added dimension of acoustic-electric bass, male-female vocals and electric violin. The group consisted of John Hoover, Brandi Teske and Lori Spector. Colin Kessler added some guest drumming.
Phoenix Theater
Saturday, January 18th
This rock fest featured opening acts New Scents and Clover-dale Hill, along with headliners Solar Face. New Scents dished out a healthy dose of high energy punk, while Cloverdale Hill showed their muscle in the realm between classic rock and alternative. Solar Face took the stage swinging the hammer high above their head before dropping it squarely on the pumped up crowd. This band was poised at the ready. Their rehearsal time and commitment to the project showed a lot in their performance. The set consisted of songs from their recent CD "Chill Tonic" which all translated very well in a live context. After the show, I found the song "All the Water" lodged firmly in my head. If you like original rock bands, this was the wrong night to stay home.
Three cheers to the Phoenix Theater for having the spine to offer such diverse and enjoyable shows. Our downtown culture has definitely come up a notch. Who'd have guessed a year ago when bands had to claw their way through renting some horrible hall to do heavier original music. There is a built in audience here for many types of music. Thank goodness that someone opened their eyes to that fact. Thank you Ben and Ty. Long live the Phoenix Theater.
Post Office Saloon
Wednesday, Jan. 22nd
I couldn't complete this review without mentioning Seattle artist Jill Cohn (pronounced "Cone"). She treated the Post Office Saloon to some very high caliber performing songwriter action. The flyer at the Post Office compared her to Tori Amos and Joni Mitchell. Not just anyone deserves that comparison, but Jill does. A lot more than a mere copy of anyone, she and her music stand on their own merit. She's blessed with a beautiful crystal clear voice and a wonderful piano style. Her songwriting and delivery do what all good art should. It takes you away. Quite a performer and a genuinely nice person, she gets two thumbs up from me. I suspect we'll be hearing more about Jill Cohn, so stay tuned.
Jill Cohns newest CD will be released 2/28/97 and can be ordered through the mail at:
Box of Beanies Music
10002 Aurora Ave. North #1135
Seattle, WA. 98133
For tour information call 1-206-363-8559