Yesterday at NX35: Sabra Laval at J&J's Pizza

BAND: Sabra LavalVENUE: J & J's PizzaTIME: 8 pmWalking down the stairs at J & J's to catch my first set of NX35, I couldn't help but feel conspicuous. Thankfully, after roughly 10 people witnessed Sabra Laval's opener "Can't Tell Why", the crowd quickly grew. By the end of Laval's...

By Kelly Dearmore

March 13, 2009

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BAND: Sabra Laval
VENUE: J & J's Pizza
TIME: 8 pm

Walking down the stairs at J & J's to catch my first set of NX35, I couldn't help but feel conspicuous.

Thankfully, after roughly 10 people witnessed Sabra Laval's opener "Can't Tell Why", the crowd quickly grew. By the end of Laval's third number, there were 30 college-agers i the pizzeria's basement "venue".

Employing a keyboard, back-up vocalist, pedal steel and a stand-up bass, Laval's deep and sultry Mazzy Star-esque vocals blended with the pedal steel twang to give most tunes a dreamy, ethereal feel.

Unfortunately, at times, the creaks in the pizza parlor's basement were louder than the soft strumming from the stage. But "Whiskey", broke up the comfy monotony of most of the tracks as Laval displayed some cabaret-style spark to finish off the set.

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Kelly Dearmore is news editor of the Dallas Observer. He’s held the position since November 2022. Since joining the team, Kelly has covered topics such as state and local politics, crime and public safety, education and immigration. A native Texan, Kelly has contributed to other publications including Texas Monthly, Dallas Morning News, Success Magazine and Cowboys & Indians Magazine.

Contact: Kelly Dearmore

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