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17unkyard Angel The latest project from The Marshall Brothers, Stewart (of established Americana act Stewart & Winfield) and Jim (of the defunct local cover band Backwoods), this straight-up rock and roll act’s members are based in both Savannah and Athens, and established in each town’s music scenes. The new group (which is just beginning to gig out with some regularity during a slow period in Stewart & Winfield’s touring schedule) boasts four songwriters, and plans to cut their first album in January. Additional members include guitarist Scotty Rahn from local Stones tribute band Monkey Man, and Rick Williams, bassist for the Park Bench Trio (and roots-rock semi-stars Bloodkin.). At times, Junkyard Angel is joined by pedal steel man A.J. Adams. In addition to their own material, the group augments their sets with nuggets from The Flying Burrito Brothers, Johnny Cash and George Jones catalogs, as well as plenty of “old-school” Dead, and Dylan tunes. Thurs., 10 pm, Finnegan’s Wake. Mama's Mojo Awhile back, two of the area’s best and most popular electric blues bands pulled a switcheroo (as opposed to a Conqueroo) and exchanged bass players. While The Ignitors were a relatively new outfit based out of South Carolina, the Bluesonics have been playing around Savannah – in one form or another – for well over a decade. In fact, this wouldn’t be the first time that some of the two group’s members had crossed paths. Ignitors guitarist Josh Maul had filled the same role in the Bluesonics long ago. With the addition of bassist Brian Prewitt, Maul and drummer Mike Fletcher dropped The Ignitors tag, and recast the new trio as Mama’s Mojo. While many local blues groups tend to cover the same basic ground stylistically, this combo has made no bones bout the fact that they want to inject a little more of their own personal dynamic into what can at times be a less-than-flavorful gumbo. Whether it be their unique arrangements of material by the likes of the late, great Albert King and “The Iceman” Albert Collins (as well as more contemporary artists such as Poppa Chubby), or their determination to stand apart from the crowd, this hard-grooving power trio puts on a tight live show that’s far from background music. Fri., 6 pm, The Warehouse. Huxsie Scott CJA Xmas Concert & Jam If you can believe it – this will be the 30th year in a row that the Coastal Jazz Association has held this wonderful annual concert event. Designed as a way to celebrate our area’s (and America’s) history of innovation in this national art form – while raising money for the CJA’s educational scholarship fund, it’s a great way to spend your Christmas Day. Entertainment will be provided by the Teddy Adams Sextet, featuring vocalist Huxsie Scott. Afterwards, an open jam session finds many of the area’s best musicians sitting in for an impromptu set of roof-raising, off-the-cuff jazz. The show starts at 6 pm. There’s free parking and hors d’oeuvres, as well as plenty of door prizes to be given away. Proceeds from the $15 donation fee go to deserving college and high school students involved in established jazz programs. Tickets available at Portman’s Music, Rody’s Music, Annie’s Guitars, or at the venue. For more info, call 356-2399. Sun., 6 pm, Cha Bella (formerly Suzabelle’s - Broughton & E. Broad Sts.). Blackeyed Katy This up-and-coming South Georgia organic rock group first hit town a few weeks ago and played a few last-minute gigs at JJ Cagney’s with little fanfare. Those who were in attendance say they were blown away by the band’s songcraft and musical interaction. Led by the Waycross-born vocalist and rhythm guitarist Justin Perkins, the band’s anchor is the impressive rhythm section of bassist Rory Hoke (a George Porter, Jr. acolyte) and drummer Justin Moore, whose nuanced use of dynamics betrays an affinity for both jazz, and the muscular playing of The Jimi Hendrix Experience’s Mitch Mitchell. Above and beyond their unabashedly anthemic arena-jams that instantly suggest a weird amalgam of The Dave Matthews Band and Pearl Jam (can we say “ca-ching?”), their printed setlist includes hits by The Who and The Rolling Stones. I’m not sure if “Dr. Detroit” is a cover of the DEVO tune from the Dan Ackroyd/TK Carter film of the same name, but just on the odd chance that it is – that’s reason enough to make the show in my book. Tues., 10 pm, Fiddler’s Crab House.