Greg Koons & The Misbegotten
This Pa.-based Americana singer-songwriter has a rapturously beguiling vocal delivery that’s instantly (if only slightly) reminiscent of both Dwight Yoakam and the late, great Townes Van Zandt, and an impressive grasp of what it takes to cross hard-scrabble roots-country and neo-hillbilly with Byrds-ian power-pop —much like the criminally unsung solo work of Nashville’s Bill Lloyd (ex-Foster & Lloyd).
He cites Dylan, Petty and Lucinda Williams as key influences, and echoes of each of those master’s work run through his own originals — yet Koons is wise enough not to veer too far into such already-covered territory. He deals in jangly, barroom laments and observational slices-of-life that are meticulously descriptive and vaguely cinematic in their scope. Gritty and sweet at once, this show would seem to have the potential to be one folks talk about fondly for some time to come. Better yet, it’s completely free to get in. Listen & Learn: myspace.com/gregkoons. Tues., 9 pm, Live Wire Music Hall.
Savannah Concert Association presents: Mikhail Lifits & The Forsyth Ensemble
For the past few years, this local group of classical music enthusiasts has made a regular habit of presenting some of the hottest young pianists in the world in solo recitals. Most —if not all— of these keyboardists have already won the esteemed Hilton Head International Piano Competition by the time the SCA brings them to town, and their latest booking is no exception to that rule.
Since 1991, the 27-year-old German (of Uzbek origin) has performed to great acclaim throughout Europe and Japan, and won notable awards in Italy and France for his musical skills. The first half of this, the final SCA concert of the season, finds Lifits alone at the piano for Mozart’s Sonata in D, k. 311 and Liszt’s Sonata in B minor. For the second half, he’ll be joined by locals Terry Moore (violin), Gretchen Frazier (viola) and Sarah Schenkman (cello) for Schumann’s Piano Quintet in E flat Major, Opus 44.
Despite the abundance of classical music riches afforded us over the past few weeks by the Savannah Music Festival, there are still a handful of hardworking local show promoters such as these who greatly need the community’s support, so please consider taking in this show. Tickets range from a high of $35 to a low of only $12.50, at 525-5050. Learn More: savannahconcertassociation.com. Sat., 8 pm, Lucas Theater.
New Thrill Parade
Coming off like a strange mélange of "Terror Couple Kill Colonel"-era Bauhaus, Swordfishtrombones-period Tom Waits, vintage Birthday Party and an imaginary cutout bin soundtrack LP for a flop piece of avant-garde modern dance based on Wisconsin Death Trip (by Twyla Tharpe, natch), this San Francisco septet’s latest indie release, Slumber In Colorland, is one pretty darn incredible piece of musical Grand Guignol.
Dark and dreamy (as in nightmarish), it’s a carefully orchestrated horrorshow of tortured and affected declamatory vocals, claptrap drums and percussion, distorted, reverb-drenched electric guitars and a peripatetic horn section that sounds like it’s comprised of flesh-eating ghouls “fresh” from a recent tour bus accident involving a Salvation Army Band. Is this group a costumed alt.rock band, a theatrical performance art troupe or a noir-ish and twisted gang of mischievous absurdists? The safest bet is on “all of the above.”
This somewhat claustrophobic venue —with its low, black ceiling and black concrete block walls— would seem to be the right room for this act. Highly recommended for fans of The Hellblinki Sextet. Listen & Learn: myspace.com/newthrillparade. Sat., 9 pm, The Wormhole (2307 Bull St.).
