www.JAIMEVILLE.com

Black Diamond Heavies
9 p.m. Saturday, July 7. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Avenue.
By Jaime Lees
Published: July 4, 2007

Following the departure of former lead singer and guitarist Mark “Porkchop” Holder, the Black Diamond Heavies have toured as a blues duo. Though it seems like a guitar would be the defining instrument in this type of band, drummer Van Campbell and pianist/vocalist John Wesley Myers manage to carry on just as well (if not better) as a two-piece. Myers has stepped up to sing lead vocals, and his growl is reminiscent of Tom Waits’. As Myers’ passionate voice hits deep lows and his hands vibrate across the piano, Campbell picks up the pace with booming blues beats. Hailing from Tennessee, the band uses its lyrics to address classic Southern topics such as religion, evil, drinkin’ — and the evils of drinkin’. Raise a glass to the Heavies, whose show brings both starlight and moonshine.

• article link
• Black Diamond Heavies

Gringo Star
7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 11. Creepy Crawl, 3524 Washington Boulevard.
By Jaime Lees
Published: July 4, 2007

Gringo Star was once a bitchin’ little band called A Fir-Ju Well. For reasons unknown, the quartet of long-haired rockers from Atlanta changed its name. Luckily for us, the band also stepped up the standard touring schedule. Through word-of-mouth, boisterous live performances and constant touring, the group has built a solid, devoted following. True to its name, Gringo Star evoke Sgt. Pepper’s-era Beatles, with swirling psychedelics, haphazard harmonizing and pop-perfect jangly bits. Sure, most rock bands reference the Beatles, but Gringo Star does it better — and in a much, much dirtier fashion. Live, the band also matches its trippy, carnival-like vibe with a rowdy stage show, full of disorderly, cacophonous instrument-bashing and heart-crushingly somber interludes.

• article link
• Gringo Star - MySpace