Judging by the amount of quality acts performing in and around our fair city tonight, you might think it was the week before SXSW.
Well maybe not quite, but you get the idea: There's a lot more going on than the sure-to-be-emotional Carter Albrecht CD release show at the Granada.
After the jump, a few solid bets...
Jeff Hanson at Rubber Gloves: Although some folks mistake his
vocals for those of a woman (or even a young girl), there's no denying
the songwriter prowess of the Milwaukee's Jeff Hanson. You can check out a cool video here for "If Only I Knew," a song from Hanson's great 2008 effort, Madam Owl.
Sara Hickman at Dan's Silverleaf: Sometimes, it's easy to take a semi-local talent like Sara Hickman for granted. Hickman resided, performed and recorded in Dallas for so many years, it was nearly impossible not
to find her performing somewhere around town. Now living in Austin with
her two daughters, Hickman hasn't released a new album since 2006's Motherlode, but her shows (especially at an intimate venue such as Dan's) are usually special proceedings.
Jimmy LaFave at The Belmont Hotel: Another semi-local and another impressive songwriter, Jimmy Lafave's Cimarron Manifesto
was one of best (if least hyped) country record of 2007. Word is LaFave
is working on the follow-up, so tonight might be a good chance to catch
a preview of what are assuredly great new songs.
Britt Lloyd at Lola's: Speaking of good country, Bryan, Texas' Britt Lloyd has been making some of the gritty variety since 2003. Lloyd's sophomore effort, The Ink, came out last year and showcased an emerging singer/songwriter in the vein of Rhett Miller and Brent Best.
And last, but certainly not least, is the quadruple bill at The Lounge on Elm Street: Matthew and the Arrogant Sea, Western Giants, This Old House and Kirby Brown.
I just checked out the new EP from Western Giants and think Denton has
another great band on its hands... Plus, this is a bill so sweet and
clean, you could take your mom and actually not feel embarrassed.
