Saturday, June 4, 2011

Brenna Whitaker : Dear Brenna

Dear Brenna
I can't take it. You won me over. You were obviously born to do this. You know what to do and how to do it. Your onstage hip-hop references and errrrr... colorful vocabulary kept me entertained. Yours is a voice that is like no other, yet has a familiar warmth to it. When you grab a note - it stays grabbed! And you hold it for as long as you f*ck#n' want to!! Impressive, your voice is a truly pure instrument that you are in complete control of. Kansas City's loss is L.A.'s gain. Can't wait to see you again!!
Sincerely,
Nick

Friday, June 3, 2011

Koffeehouse Sessions :
Catching Ghosts & Spinning Tales

The Koffeehouse night at Harvelle's has developed into one of the premiere showcases of new talent in Los Angeles.
Tonight's event opened with Genuine Brandish. 
The duo of Ariana Hall and guitarist/singer Tony Clinebell are at the center of this "group" which incorporates collaborations with percussionists, singers and poets. Arianna multi-tasked, tapping her glockenspiel, playing the piano & guitar and sharing her voice.
Chris Accardo has brought his singer/songwriter game to a whole new level. With his talented backing musicians Jacob Fatoorechi and Reade Pryor, they created sweeping cosmic landscapes from Accardo's emotional radio-ready songs. Chris' singing and playing surrounds the room with intense drama and nothing but big things are in his future. I'm gonna call attention to a favorite jam of his I like called "Maybe".




Caught A Ghost brought a 7 piece group - with an 'artsy' stage set-up - (primarily dressed in white - with a film loop of various clips and images projected onto themselves as they performed) - in which they presented an original update of the Motown/Stax sound, complete with horn arrangements, keys, bass, drums and a little shing-a-ling guitar, with backing vocals courtesy of the lovely Tessa Thompson. Tessa, who is a talented actress stood slightly "stage right" of the lead singer, backing him with her heart and soul (and a tiny tambourine).

Koffeehouse sessions is held at Harvelle's the first Thursday of the month.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

LA's Westsiders : House Of Vibe & Ruben's Tacos

The House of Vibe All Stars always represent on Wednesday nights at Harvelle's. It's a Venetians super hang with The Westside Tribe in numbers down on 4th St. They bring light and love and music and good times. No bad vibes. No fakin' the funk. And now with tacos out back!!*

*Ruben serves up mighty fine tacos. Find him here: 310-343-9200

Sunday, May 29, 2011

John Nemeth : Another Perfect Night

Sometimes, a night at Harvelle's is like a B-12 shot in the arm. 
It's just what I needed. 
Tonight was one of those nights. 
The end of a long week is that much worse when you realize it's only a Thursday and there's still one more day until the weekend. 

One more day to go. 
I could have the time of my life and call in sick tomorrow which is preferable to staying up all night and showing up with hand-stamp ink and cigarette stink still on me... (This will no doubt piss off my cubicle dwelling co-workers). There's friends here, John's bartending and good times apparently await me, as John Nemeth is one of the coolest cats I've seen in a while. Upbeat party goodtime music and I found myself dancing to a slow number with Heather who was there with one of her wildest friends. (pictured here). 

Conrad Oberg : Crosstown Traffic

 I love the word "Hendrix-ian".  
It has described many a rock album/ rock group/ guitar player.  Conrad Oberg (not Conor Oberst) is that and more.  His youth has branded him a prodigy, and the fact he's only partially sighted seems to be a key bullet point in his marketing (the poster in the club says "Blind Blues Phenom Conrad Oberg"). He covered quite a bit of the Jimi Hendrix catalog, bringing sparks and controlled warmth to these - some of the most classic rock songs of all time.