Metro Pulse/Music/Eye on the Scene

Local CD Review
Zed, e.p.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into clubland, along comes Zed, bringing a legacy of their own heavy rock experience to create a modern sound. The hard rockin' foursome features two former members (guitarist/vocalist Todd Ethridge and hair swinging axe mauler Mark Inocco) of Oak Ridge's late, lamented Sandbox and none other than drummer Jay Martin, formerly of prototype Oak Ridge metal maniacs Hard Knox. These three are aided by Chuck Getsi on bass.

Zed's debut five-song e.p. showcases all of the band's formidable strength, merging heavy guitars with a pop sensibility. Having Ethridge on lead vocals, the comparison to Sandbox is obvious. But the band members have a few new tricks up their collective sleeves as well. Songs like "Ode to Zed" and "Wake Up" would do just fine in the modern rock radio format—and saying the band has commercial appeal is by no means an insult. The songs just instantly stick in your head as all good hard rock should. The sound of Zed would be excellent music to accompany a Saturday night Camaro cruise (sober, of course).

The band is a relative newcomer on the local scene, but they're already packing 'em in at dives like Moose's and The Prince. And fear not: they still draw a healthy crowd of butt-shaking, mini-skirted babes. Jeff Spiccoli would be proud. Really, it's great to see a band playing heavy music that's still fun. I've had it with the manufactured angst of the Korn/Slipknot set that is virtually inescapable these days.

Better Late...

Well, the first round misfired, but Knoxville party maniac and Cock Rock Hour DJ Derek Senter is back with a rescheduled 1827 Reunion & Band Bash on two nights this weekend. Senter had originally planned one evening of rock to honor the late, lamented party house at 1827 Highland Avenue for the beginning of May. But the ducks (read: bands) refused to get in a nice tidy row, as rumor would have it, and so the bash was scraped.

But never fear, it's back and bigger than planned. One night was just not enough time for the star-studded local lineup, so Senter and company decided to prolong the revelry into two marathon sessions, June 16 and 17, beginning at 8 p.m. both nights. The shows will be held at 6 Emory Place, a warehouse space off Broadway near the Old City.

The Friday night show boasts an all-star lineup of Geisha, 30 Amp Fuse (tentative), Ramblin' Roy, Skeyebone, The Lovejoys, The French Broads, and Willis. And if that ain't enough, Saturday features The Shine, The Drawbacks, Kid Snack, Ape Life, Mustard, Shaken Babies, Nug Jug, and Pegasi 51. Be ready for one hella hangover come Sunday morning. I'd suggest a fistful of aspirin, a barf bag by the bed, and a premixed pitcher of bloody marys in the fridge, just in case. One can never be too careful.

Happy Trails Part II

Local actor, writer, and all around stage fixture Sam Ward (Inherit the Wind, Alice in Wonderland, Zoo Story) and his wife Anna recently bid adieu to Knoxville prior to their departure for New York City. Hosted by Anna's mother Claudia McCorkle and Brian McMillan, the farewell party was held at Claudia's posh Sequoyah Hills dwelling known as the Villa Nicholas. A wide variety of guests were seen at the party, which was not limited to one segment of the Knoxville scene. Harmonica player and Macdaddies frontman Michael Crawley and his wife Gretchen, Bijou artistic director Scott McBride, professor and director Don Thomas, photographer Christian Lange, local musicians Forrest and Graham McCorkle, Dr. Steven Smith, actor Donald Thorne (October Sky), and local actor Steve Louis (Ten Little Indians, M*A*S*H) were just a few seen at the party. Guests reminisced and partied until 2 a.m. Sam and Anna already have jobs in Manhattan, and of course, Sam will be pursuing his acting career while soaking up all the excitement of the big city. Knoxville theatre folk will miss his studied characterizations and ebullient sense of humor.

Go-see-do

Thursday: Louise Mosrie at Java (Homberg). Mosrie's lush voice and intriguing lyrics provide a rich soundscape for your caffeinated reveries.

Friday: Jacqui and the Tumble Kings at Manhattan's. Every day is a party when JATTK country-rocks the town.

Saturday: Evil Twin andthe Helldoradoes at Longbranch. You should do something scary at least once a week. These freaks (and I mean that in the nicest possible way) should keep you all goosebumpy well into next year.

Sunday: Orchestra Morphine at Moose's Music Hall. The above music story should convince you that this show will be something truly unique and tuneful.

Monday: Ponder the phrase "quality control."

Tuesday: Funk 4 Ya Mind at Lava Lounge. Feet don't fail me now.

Wednesday: Short Bus at The Spot. It's a tradition. Heck, ten thousand sorority sisters can't be wrong!

—Zippy "Sans Pith" McDuff