Sound Menu February 13 2008

CL’s picks for the week’s best shows

WED/13

BONERAMA This New Orleans seven-piece featuring four trombones and a sousaphone (with guitar and drums) applies its big-brass swing to such rock classics as “Whipping Post,” “War Pigs” and “The Ocean,” delivering fence-busting renditions. Its eclecticism is highlighted, as it ranges easily from Thelonious Monk to Jimi Hendrix, producing both what you’d expect from a Big Easy brass band, and plenty of what you wouldn’t — such as its lively cover of the Beatles’ “Helter Skelter.” $12. 8 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com. — Chris Parker

M.O.D. Formed during the mid-’80s, in the wake of Anthrax side project Stormtroopers of Death, Methods of Destruction was led by S.O.D. singer Billy Milano. Its thrash-core blend has retained its essential character for 20 years, melding agit-prop, metal breakdowns, slow-motion build-outs and classic breakneck hardcore. The accent is on the latter with its latest, Red, White & Screwed, which effectively resurrects the blistering intensity and outraged politics of pioneers such as M.D.C., Suicidal Tendencies and Black Flag. $10. 9 p.m. Lenny’s Bar. 404-577-7721. www.lennysbar.com. — CP

THURS/14

LIARS, NO AGE Liars return to Atlanta in support of their fourth, self-titled full-length. This time around the group abandons the long and meandering demonstrations of rhythm and high concepts in favor of short, aggressive blasts of pop distortion. Los Angeles noise-pop duo No Age channels the spirit of unabashed punk-rock energy through layers of dense sonic fog and confusion that evokes everyone from My Bloody Valentine to the Ramones. $15. 9:30 p.m. The Earl. 404-522-3950. www.badearl.com. — CP

N’DEA DAVENPORT WITH JIVA In 2006, N’Dea Davenport reunited with the definitive acid-jazz band, Brand New Heavies, and issued a nice comeback album, Get Used to It. But she’s had a home in Atlanta for years, performing with assemblies of musicians familiar with Heavies classics such as “Never Stop” and “Dream on Dreamer.” For this Valentine’s Day concert, she’ll be backed by Jiva, an Atlanta soul-house band who released the impressive Sun & Moon two years ago. DJs Kemit and Kai Alce will set the mood. $20. 9 p.m. Sugarhill. 404-658-0068. www.sugarhillatl.com. — Mosi Reeves

FRI/15

GORDON LIGHTFOOT It’s a rare event when one of Canada’s greatest folk singers ventures this far south for a show. Lightfoot has been at the top of his game for years, and even when sidelined with a rare neurological disorder he bravely took to the stage and delivered the goods. With a great voice and stellar songs, he captivates and enlightens his audiences. $38-$58. 8 p.m. Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. 770-916-2800. www.cobbenergycentre.com. — James Kelly

MAX GRAHAM After first gaining renown with his contribution to the Tranceport series in 2001, Montreal electronic DJ Max Graham was pegged as the next superstar DJ. While that didn’t exactly happen — unless you’re Tiësto or Paul van Dyk, superstar DJs don’t really exist anymore — Graham has carved out a solid reputation for dreamy, progressive beats. His remix of Yes’ “Owner of a Lonely Heart” got considerable play both internationally and at local clubs such as MJQ. Mike Czech and Edo open with a tag-team set. $10. 10 p.m. The Masquerade. 678-577-2794. www.masq.com. — MR

THE McCOY TYNER TRIO WITH SAVION GLOVER Philadelphia-born jazz pianist Alfred McCoy Tyner built his emphatic, percussive, blues-influenced chops over a career that started with Benny Golson Jazztet and John Coltrane Quartet, well-seasoned by a long solo career that followed. Tyner’s energized, often frenzied keyboard style and unique voicing of chords have strongly influenced a number of younger-generation jazz pianists. Tony-winning choreographer and tap dancer Savion Glover is the Tyner Trio’s special guest. $40-$50. 8 p.m. Ferst Center. 404-894-9600. www.ferstcenter.org. — Mark Gresham

SARA HICKMAN, COSY SHERIDAN Real fans not only buy your CDs but, at least in Hickman’s case, help you purchase masters back from the evil record company who financed but refuses to release them. That’s the kind of dedication Austinite Hickman inspires with her floating vocals and lovely/edgy jazzy-folk songs, often compared to those of Joni Mitchell. New Hampshire-born and -bred Sheridan is a self-proclaimed 21st-century renaissance woman, boasting a solo-performance art show, experience as a songwriting teacher and an eight-album catalog filled with wry observations of the female experience. Brian Ashley Jones with Tina Simeral share this strong bill. $15-$18. 8 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 770-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — Hal Horowitz

VICTOR WOOTEN BAND Far more than just Béla Fleck’s go-to bass player, Wooten is a multitalented musician, author, martial arts master, philosopher, teacher and even magician. In other words, it’s impossible to predict what a typical show will include, but you can bet on eye-popping bass playing put to work in an eclectic, nearly dizzying set of musical styles that range from funk to bluegrass, and that you will hear tracks from his soon-to-be-released Palmystery. Rest assured, nobody leaves asking for a refund. $20-22.50. 8:30 p.m. Variety Playhouse. 404-524-7354. www.variety-playhouse.com. — HH

SAT/16

DAN TYMINSKI Even when he stands in the shadow of his bandmate Allison Krauss, Tyminski manages to steal a bit of the spotlight every night. He’s finally on tour fronting his own band, and the “Man of Constant Sorrow” will deliver a wonderful evening of fine guitar picking, great singing and good ol’ bluegrass music. $20-$22.50. 8:30 p.m. Variety Playhouse. 404-524-7354. www.variety-playhouse.com. — JK

PERU NEGRO Since appearing on the 1995 Luaka Bop compilation, The Soul of Black Peru, Peru Negro has enjoyed a U.S. audience for its cross-section of African and Peruvian sounds. The 30-plus ensemble, which includes dancers, singers, and cajón (a traditional wooden box) players, has returned to the States to promote a new album that came out in January, Zamba Malató. $35-$59. 8 p.m. Rialto Theater. 404-413-9849. www.rialtocenter.org. — MR

SUN/17

JOHN BATDORF AND JAMES LEE STANLEY Internet sensations are not just relegated to hip indie acts or the latest Britney meltdown news. Take the 2005 release All Wood and Stones. This acoustic album of often drastically rearranged Rolling Stones songs performed by fiftysomethings Batdorf and Stanley revived both artists’ somewhat dormant careers and found an audience despite being an under-the-radar home-brewed recording. The duo harmonizes beautifully but the fun is in hearing them unearth and strip down rowdy Stones tunes to coffeehouse fare, turning the material inside out while revealing lyrical intricacies often lost in the more rocking originals. $15. 7 p.m. Eddie’s Attic. 770-377-4976. www.eddiesattic.com. — HH

KAREN PARKS Atlanta-based, internationally acclaimed soprano Parks performs songs by African-Americans in honor of Black History Month, which she will reprise at NYC’s Carnegie Hall as part of a national tour coordinated with the release of her latest CD, Nobody Knows: Songs of Harry T. Burleigh. The recital features music by William Grant Still, Dorothy Rudd Moore, Uzee Brown Jr. and Harry T. Burleigh, among others. $25. 3 p.m. Spivey Hall. 678-466-4200. www.spiveyhall.org. — MG

TUES/19

RYAN BINGHAM Scruffy-voiced Texans are pretty common, and it takes something unique to make a bit of an impression. Bingham has something, not sure exactly what it is, but it compels you to listen. His debut Lost Highway album Mescalito is a real jewel, loaded with great songs, sparse but appropriate instrumentation, and ... something. $10. 8 p.m. Smith’s Olde Bar. 404-875-1522. www.smithsoldebar.com. — JK

Bands/performers/venues wishing to be included in Sound Menu’s noted-acts boxes may send recordings, press material and schedules two weeks in advance to Creative Loafing c/o Rodney Carmichael, 384 Northyards Blvd., Suite 600, Atlanta, GA 30313, or e-mail information to: rodney.carmichael@creativeloafing.com. To be included in the listings only, e-mail venue and band schedules by Thursday at noon (for the issue that comes out the following Wednesday) to soundboard@creativeloafing.com.