|
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
|
|
|
|
A D V E R T I S E M E N T
|
|
Fredzz
Imagine the shock on HearSay’s face when, on a relatively quiet Friday night recently, a buddy said, “Let’s go to Fred’s.”
HearSay’s brow crumpled up. “Fred’s?”
“Yeah,” HearSay’s bud said. “Fred’s.”
“You mean Fred’s Fred’s?”
“Yes,” he said. “Fred’s Fred’s.”
You know HearSay’s all about seeing and listening to live local music. What the hell would make your writer wanna hang out at that — and HearSay means this in the most loving, affectionate way — historically soundless dump?
Apparently, good jazz. Every Friday for the past few months, trumpeter Brian Sharp has been leading a trio — and audiences — through the variegated compartments of America’s music, from bebop to fusionesque funk. The group sets up in the patio/backyard, facing the restaurant, and Sharp and Co. typically churn out at least three hours of sounds while navigating well-trod territory (i.e., Miles, Hancock, Monk, straight-ahead standards, etc.). Thing is, hangin’ there isn’t a bad way to spend a Friday, especially when the weather’s sweet and especially when out-of-town acts are playing in each of the Big Three. (I mean, really. Who gives a flying fuck about bands from Dallas or Denton or Dubuque?) HearSay’s recent Currie Street excursion eventually ended up in a trip to the Torch to listen to gangsta rap, but that’s another story. The point is, Fridays at Fred’s are full of cheap beers, good seats, and palatable jazz. And healthy food, too, of course.
Rockin’ Chair
Flickerstick show at the Ridglea last week: great. Flick frontman Brandin Lea: the consummate showman. Live versions of songs from the new e.p., To Madagascar and Back: brilliant. The fact that Lea’s grandmother was not only in the house but was in the pit, among the rowdy teenyboppers, drinking a beer: probably one of the greatest local-music phenomena HearSay’s seen this year. (Reminded HearSay of its college sports days, when the old man would drive hundreds of miles in his beat-up ’82 Century — no license, no insurance, and with a bottle of vino between his legs — just to see his No. 4 kid bite it repeatedly. Ah, memories.) The moral of the story: Um, it’s pretty damn cool if your family likes you. (I think.)
Fromholz’ Stand
In other old outlaw news, Steven Fromholz has finally recovered enough from his April stroke to perform in front of an audience. A Fromholz fan described the singer’s recent three-song set at the Kerrville Wine & Music Festival as “bittersweet.” Fromholz’ stage patter was as funny as ever, but he had difficulty singing and playing. “His voice was kind of monotone, and he clipped his words a lot,” the fan said. “But it was so good to see him back on stage. It was worth it.” Fromholz, featured recently in a Fort Worth Weekly cover story (“How Long is the Road?” July 16), expects to eventually get back to full-performance mode. HearSay tips a tall glass to him.
Contact HearSay at hearsay@fwweekly.com.
Email this Article...
