Seattle Show Gal

Tonight in Music: AA Bondy, Teo Crider, Great Waves

January 23rd, 2010, 10:22 AM

Written by: Jodi Kaufer
Category: Previews

A.A. Bondy, Fences, & Willy Mason @ Tractor Tavern |    $12    |    9:30PM    |    21+

It’s a powerful thing when a dark tinged song can somehow leave you feeling uplifted. A.A. Bondy has a haunting, supple voice that pairs so naturally with the gloomy imagery of his lyrics. Some may remember Bondy from his days with the mid-90s rock group Verbena but his solo work plays in stark contrast to that of the almost famous alt-rockers. Tonight’s stop at the Tractor is in support of Bondy’s sophomore solo effort When the Devil’s Loose, released in the fall of 2009. The addition of a backing band on this album creates a fuller and more layered structure for Bondy’s vocals to become interwoven with as opposed to his debut album, American Hearts, which lacked the robustness found now. Bondy’s grace in delivery of his heavyhearted lyrics is what sets him from others artists of similar fare and is the reason a listener is left with a more improved or inspired outlook than what they started with.

For a peek at what to expect, enjoy this video of Bondy performing “Mightiest of Guns” – When the Devil’s Loose

Teo Crider, Cozy Kitchen, & Great Waves @ L.A.B at Seattle Drum School |    7PM    |    ALL AGES

Keeping in line with the folk theme of this Tonight in Music post, I was happy to dig up this little goldmine of a show over at the Seattle Drum School’s L.A.B. Here’s a quick run-down of who’s who and why you should get your kids, your neighbors kids, grand kids, or just your self acting like a kid over to the L.A.B. for tonight’s show.

First up is Teo Crider, half of the Burlington, WA, duo Candysound. Teo is one of those artists that constantly has people asking, “Is there anything he isn’t good at?” Candysound is super catchy, hook-filled indie pop while his solo efforts over the last year and half have resulted in the heartwarming folk album Songs. The album’s warm and rootsy feel highlights a maturity that belies young Mr. Crider.

Also playing tonight is A Cozy Kitchen. This Bellingham trio is making old-timey folk  music with a Generation Y modernization. A Cozy Kitchen inspires one to grab the nearest washboard or hooch jug while someone twists and turns the reverb knobs. This is not your Appalachian pappy’s folk music.

Joining the folk frenzy this evening is Great Waves from Sammamish, WA. According to QRD Magazine, “In five songs, Great Waves entertain, enchant, and exalt…Blue Blood is a beautiful homage to bluegrass, country and folk traditions, topped off with bracing vocals. It’s a promising start.” After getting a listen in myself, I couldn’t agree more. It will be exciting to keep an eye on this group as they mature and become an even more cohesive as a band.

All good stories should have a kicker; well kids, this one’s a doozey … all three of these bands are qualifiers in this year’s EMP Sound Off! They will be participating in the semi-final rounds that take place in February however, to see them all you would find yourself downtown (fighting for parking) for three consecutive weekends because each band is scheduled  in one of the three separate rounds. Take this opportunity now to see three of Washington’s newest, up-and-coming bands  all in one night, on the same stage.

Categories: Previews | Tags: AA Bondy, Cozy Kitchen, EMP Sound Off!, Fences, Great Waves, L.A.B at SDS, Teo Crider, Tractor Tavern