Metro Pulse/Music/Eye on the Scene

Local CD Review

Donna Lee Van Cott
Eclipse

Though it is now but a memory, it seems that the ill-fated acoustic venue Birds Eye View ushered in a new era of femme folk music to our fair city. Birds Eye troubadour Donna Lee Van Cott has recently released her solo debut, Eclipse, and it's really a keeper.

On Eclipse, Van Cott offers a dozen musical selections which fall somewhere between folk and the quieter regions of rock—a sound that is most similar to '70s greats Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Rickie Lee Jones. Inevitably, there will be comparisons to the Lilith Fair bunch, but Van Cott seems to be more influenced by an earlier generation.

There is plenty of introspection on this disc, but it's not all flowers and lace. Van Cott also offers a darker perspective and even a hint of anger on some of the songs. This world-weary quality gives the lyrics added depth, reality, and strength.

Recorded at Knoxville's Grinning Deer Studio, Eclipse features instrumentalists Leith Keilany and Nathan Barret, who are fast becoming the Sly & Robbie of the local folk scene by sitting in with many of the area's best talents. Add the bass guitar skills of Alan Peabody to the mix, and you have a funky backing combo indeed. Backing vocals by Matt Roley and local chanteuse Jodie Manross complete the group.

Apparently, the local folk scene is as tightly knit as many people claim. And it's good to see a group of musicians intermingling to produce work of such high caliber and consistent quality.

The arranging and musicianship on the disc adds character and structure to the songs without overshadowing the essential components of lyrics and melody. All in all, the album is well executed and sounds totally professional. Eclipse is a strong collection and yet another testament to the pool of talent that exists right here at home.

Booking a Moose

Like anywhere else, the Knoxville nightclub scene is always in a state of flux. But area clubbers will breathe a sigh of relief to hear that local concert promoters AC Entertainment have taken charge of booking national acts for the not too big, not too small (just right) Moose's Music Hall on Cumberland Avenue.

"They [Moose's] have got a successful track record operating the club and we've got a successful track record booking acts," says AC's Jennifer Whitson. "So we're just trying to form a productive relationship." Local bands fear not, Moose's Gary Mitchell will continue to arrange shows for area groups.

Hopefully, this alliance will result in a more adventurous music menu at Moose's, a comfortably-sized room that boasts one of the best sound systems in town. The first acts ushered in by the folks at AC aren't exactly groundbreaking, but you can bet your boots some more interesting stuff will be on the marquee in short order. Look for Edwin McCain tonight, Three Doors Down with Nicklebag (oh joy!) on April 20 and much more to come.

Another Customer Served

Way back in February, I wrote all about the fun folk at Jim Beam (who remind you to "make responsibility part of your enjoyment") sponsoring a contest for local bands, called "One Shot To Stardom." Welp, at least one of y'all read it and sent in your bona fides. And, as a result, Galaxie, Knox's local alt. heavy rockers, will be traveling to Cleveland (Ohio, not Tennessee), to participate in the regional finals on May 4. Hundreds of bands entered, but Galaxie was one of 20 regional finalists selected; the other regionals will be held in Boston, Phoenix, Denver, and Chicago. Bassist Rance Gossett and his compatriots in sound will be competing against four other bands at the Ohio gig. When he saw the ad in the Pulse, Gossett reportedly said "What the hell. I'll enter it," which just goes to show you...something.

Click It

For those of you who are hooked-up online—and those who aren't should join the millennium already—there are now some truly awesome sites devoted to the Knoxville music scene, however you may define it. The biggest and baddest may be the KLM, which is chock full of news (like the forthcoming 7" with The Lovejoys and Three Apples High), a calendar, bulletin board, MP3s, links, and a wonderful musician's exchange, where acts can find a band to share a bill with.

Soon to be launched is http://www.geocities.com/knoxmusic/, which will also be dedicated to the local scene. If you'd like to be listed or involved on the ground floor, give 'em a visit.

Of course, we can't let a single day go by without tooting our own horn. The brand spankin' new addition to the Metro Pulse site is a collection of links to MP3s and venue sites. Plus, there's a quirky collection of old stories on local bands from years past. Stop on by and set a spell.

Thank You For Your Support

Thursday: Pavo with Grand National. For all of you post-post-moderns out there. And we know you're out there, studying your Foster Wallace and Eggers.

Friday: The French Broads at Prince's Deli. Local pop rockers who impress us every time they surface.

Saturday: The Market Square Bluegrass Breakdown and Dogwood Jam. Yup, it's Dogwood Time in Tennessee once again. Stop by for a primer on all that is 'grass. If you come by after dark, you'll still catch some great acts and all of the scary, painted, dogwood-festooned mailboxes/T-shirts/doormats will be under lock and key and therefore out of sight. Thankfully.

Sunday: Britney Spears with LFO and Bosson. Hit me baby one more time.

Monday: Beardsley Community Farm Volunteer Day. From 3-7 p.m. you can stop by the farm, do some work, pick up some pointers, and earn some produce.

Tuesday: Foo Fighters with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Muse at Thompson Boling Arena. Can't resist, plus Dave Grohl is such a stud.

Wednesday: Les Traveling Ubu at The Wesley Foundation. It's in French. It's a play on the UT campus. Not something you hear everyday 'round these parts.

—Zippy "Post-Bowie" McDuff