| Avant-garde rockers, Trebuchet release their newest album this month and will be playing around the metroplex to support it. Check them out if you are a fan of shit like At The Drive In and middle-to-late Cave In…. Considering that The Dave Matthews Band has sold more CDs than Angelina Jolie has adopted children, one can argue that they don’t suck. And if you don’t think they suck, then see them when they roll though Dallas this summer. Get a case of Rolling Rock - turn your bad-boy hat backwards - untuck your polo shirt and confirm the notion that white men cannot dance… In other non-DMB news, The Beastie Boys will release the umpteenth album this year. Steven Page of Barenaked Ladies has decided to call it quits to pursue some solo work. Don’t hold your breath. (Shane Epting)
Gov’t Mule - House of Blues, 2/8/09
It’s rather unfortunate that The Mule gets lumped with Grateful Dead-worshipping jam bands. True, they take extended solos that at times feel like spiritual awakenings, but what sets them apart from their patchouli-wearing peers is their southern rock jams that go better with a beer than some funky Donald Duck acid.
With love (among other things) in the air, Warren Haynes and company took the stage and launched their two hours-plus set with “Bad Little Doggie.” Haynes, of Allman Brothers fame, was in top form with soulful vocals and honey-sweet guitar tones. What’s most impressive is these guys do this consistently night after night with rarely a day off, making them a true workingman’s band. They capped things off with opening act Disco Biscuits joining them for a rocking cover of Nirvana’s “Lithium.” (D.J. Ivie)
The Groove Crew - Park’s Place 2/24/09
Park’s Place was the place to party on Fat Tuesday, with the Groove Crew providing the entertainment. Members are Jeni Samules (vocals), Clay Garrett (guitar), Robbie Hamilton (drums), Emsy (bass), Shadow (sax) and Josh Lewin (keys). Dance hits from the 60’s to the present brought back memories and kept the groove going all night long, with the Crew performing songs by Tina Turner, Jimi Hendrix, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Kool & the Gang, Journey, Bon Jovi and many more. It was a light-hearted, fun night for everyone, especially for Robyn Garrett, who was celebrating her birthday with many good friends. (Jill Jackson)
Arbra Hill - Stand Hill
This EP is a great folk-inspired enterprise that’s worthy of a few good swigs of apricot brandy. “One The Sunrise” and “Summer Song,” are excellent ditties that are close to perfect. They would sound best if you listened while driving down a long road to nowhere, preferably without any company. The other three, while they’re not bad, are just not as solid as the previous two. If you grew up south of the Mason/Dixon line, but were somehow taught the theory of evolution, chances are you’ll like this one.
 (Shane Epting)
Maria Taylor - Lady Luck, Nettwerk
Lady Luck might be just the perfect soundtrack for a solitary mushroom trip. Not acid, amigo. Mushrooms. It is too laid back for such a heroic undertakings. Taylor has a fan-freaking-tastic voice that flows seamlessly with the music. It becomes an instrument. One of the best examples is “Time Lapse Lifeline.” If you don’t speak English, you might think this album is a melancholy affair, but that is too limiting. It’s more of an insightful introspection that she wants to share with the listener. And it is worth the ride.
(Shane Epting)
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