Here are musician Ken Beasley’s top music picks on the Lower East Side for this weekend:
PAUL BRILL – Fri, Sept. 23 | 10PM at Rockwood Music Hall
In the last couple years, composer/band-leader/producer Paul Brill has become known not only for his original take on contemporary songwriting, but for his big, spontaneous, multi-musician live shows. Brill puts on some of the best live shows around; now he’s redirecting and focusing his energy into a stripped down set at Rockwood called, “Paul Brill and His Small Band.”
Poised for his soon to be released new album, Brill will be shining the spotlight on his tightly written songs. He will be joined on stage by special guests Lauren Balthrop and Raphael McGregor. FREE//196 Allen St.
SPLIT TONGUE CROW – Sat, Sep 24 | 7PM at The Living Room
The 5 members of Vermont’s Split Tongue Crow, Dave Anderson, Cara White, Eoin Noonan, Jeremy Woods and Matt Marro all contribute equally to the refreshingly un-complicated expression of the band’s music. Straight-forward songs, sung with earnestness, and lifted up by tasteful strokes of traditional harmonizing. The group fits snuggly among some of the best in today’s American roots music. FREE// 154 Ludlow St.
CAT MARTINO– Sun, Sep 25 | 7PM at Arlene’s Grocery
Though not always referred to as a hot bed of creativity, Long Island has in fact given the world scores of notable musical artists over the decades. From Paul Simon and Mariah Carey to Busta Rhymes and Steve Vai, Long Island has been the origin of many great musicians, and continues to be today. The latest talent to emerge from the land of wine and beaches is Cat Martino.
Self-taught on the piano and guitar, Martino composes songs slightly more left of center than most. Her music has an eerie quality but does not drag. Her inventiveness shines most in the way that she uses the human voice as not just a vehicle for lyrics, but as an instrument in its own right. $12 Advance / $15 Door//217 E. Houston St.
Splitting his time between performing and producing, contributor Ken Beasley primarily plays with his own roots/rock band, Ken Beasley & Co., as well as the power punk outfit, Missy Sport, while also curating the Underground at the Abrons music series on the Lower East Side
