Scott's Show
I never got around to writing about Scott Melott's show, which we roadtripped to New Braunfels to see last night (but Callie did).
I really enjoyed it. We've seen him with this band (aside from rotating guitarists) three different times now, and they have sounded tighter each time. Plus they keep tweaking some of the old Groobees songs to take advantage of the current lineup. It's really coming together.
We still haven't heard the permanent guitarist (supposed to debut November 16), but the guy that played last night is apparently set to be his backup. And he was excellent, so I can only imagine how good the main guy is going to be.
This was my first trip to Saengerhalle, which has really nice acoustics. It also had a more friendly feel to it than Tavern in the Gruene, right down to the guy who collected the cover charge and told us, "You guys hungry? There's sausage out back. It's free." The sausages were good. The bartender (who looked like the British chick on ER) also referred to me as Sweetie, which added to the charm. And there were lots of children running about, reminding me of the West Alabama Icehouse here in town. When the show started, their parents put four chairs up in the very front for the kids, and they seemed to enjoy the best seats in the house. Cute.
I know the RightWingNuts (yeah, some of them are my friends) would be aghast at the idea of a bar that has children running around, but I kind of like joints like this. I'm not sure what wrong with taking your kids out to a dancehall and hearing some alt-country music (pg-rated, for the most part). It probably beats what they're going to find at home on the premium cable channels or the internet. Or maybe even at the Catholic Church, given recent scandals!
But I digress. As I said, the show was good. The vocals with Libbi Bosworth are sounding tighter and tighter; I really like how she and Scott sound together (Susan WHO?). The rhythm section has been excellent. And the guitar was fine.
Even better, Scott came and chatted with me and Callie for a LONG time between sets, along with his family. What nice people! Is everyone in New Braunfels so friendly?
I'm really enjoying these intimate shows at the moment, because we're getting to hear all sorts of new stuff, and experiments, and things you're willing to try out for a relatively friendly room (i.e. family and true fans), when you don't have to try and promote a CD or headlining band. I know Scott plans on bigger and better things, and they will come (this is some GOOD music) -- but for the moment, intimate is fine.
The roadtrip back from New Braunfels last night (in order to be ready for football this afternoon) was LONG, however, and I wasn't even driving.
Up next: Texans football tomorrow, as I have my boss's season tix. Should be fun!
[Posted at 23:37 CST on 10/12/02] [Link]
