In my twice-monthly blog 30 Days Out, I spotlight upcoming music shows and events of note. While the most well-known venues in town (Orange Peel, Grey Eagle, and whatever they’re calling the Civic Center) consistently book popular and worthwhile acts, I’ll shine a light into some less well-lit corners, where some equally fascinating artists schedule performances. I do my best to give ample advance notice so that you can adjust your budget and calendar in a way that lets you get you to the show.
There’s something for most everyone this time: classic 60s’ style baroque pop; gritty, heartfelt soul, surf rock and a sort of jam/r&b hybrid that will please fans of one, the other and both.
Artist: The Zombies
Venue: The Orange Peel
Date: Tuesday, April 15, 8 p.m.
Door: $28 advance / $30 day of show
“I got no timing.” So said Paul Shaffer‘s Artie Fufkin character in This is Spinal Tap. The same could have been said about 60s British pop act The Zombies: after a string of hits, the band – featuring Rod Argent and Colin Blunstone – threw in the towel before their final album Odessey and Oracle [sic] hit the shelves. The record is now considered a classic of the period. Now, some 45 years later, Argent and Blunstone tour with a reanimated Zombies lineup that sounds as alive as ever. Read my interview with them here. Pat Sansone of Wilco and Autumn Defense open.
Artist: The Carvers
Venue: Jack of the Wood
Date: Saturday, April 26, 9 p.m.
Door: $8
This five-piece (two guitars, bass, drums and sax) call themselves a “surf and stomp” band, and their music conjures memories of Star Club-era Beatles, very early Rolling Stones, ’60s garage bands that rose in their wake, and more modern acts like The Kaisers and Los Straitjackets. They’ve got the hooks. Like-minded locals The Krektones open. The Carvers also perform the night before (April 25) at Highland Brewing, and on April 26 at The Double Crown.
Artist: New Mastersounds
Venue: Asheville Music Hall
Date: Tuesday, May 6, 10 p.m.
Door: $15 advance / $20 day of show
There’s a curious nexus between the jam band aesthetic and the boogaloo/soul/r&b genre, and that specific point is ably occupied by Leeds, England-based quartet The New Mastersounds. With a rich blend of funky, (mostly) instrumental soul heavy on grooves, lean guitar solos and deft organ work, the group manages to please even those who dig one style but have little use for the other. Asheville is a favorite and frequent destination for the group, which never fails to bring out a big crowd. Appropriately enough, Tuesday Night Funk Jam Band opens.
Artist: Charles Bradley & the Extraordinaires
Venue: Pisgah Brewing Company
Date: Thursday, May 8, 7:30 p.m.
Door: $20 advance / $25 day of show
I first saw Charles Bradley onstage a year ago, and the intensity of his music and stage persona has remained with me. The man can sing, he can move, and he’s got a story to tell. With a band that is absolutely on fire, Bradley provides an evening that won’t soon be forgotten. If you can only make it to one show this month, this really should be the one, especially if you’ve never seen Bradley onstage before. Also on the bill: The Broadcast, Bright Light Social Hour.
You may also enjoy: With over 1250 entries, my Musoscribe blog features new content — interviews, reviews and more — every business day.
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