OTBKB Music: Leaps of Faith

Tonight I'll be checking out two artists I've never seen but who come to me recommended by friends whose opinions are always worth considering.  Since both artists are playing one after the other at The Rockwood Music Hall tonight, it's an easy path to discovery.

Art from Connecticut emailed me the other day saying that he was going to be in NYC today to catch David Mead at The Rockwood.  Art described David as being a kind of pop balladeer with overtones of Harry Nielson.  He added that Bill DeMain was going to be playing with David.

If Art's recommendation wasn't enough, the Bill DeMain connection certainly put this show on my radar.  Bill is one half of the duo Swan Dive.  Even more, he co-wrote Keep It to Yourself, with Amy Rigby, a song that manages to combine wheedling, attempted murder, a plausible alibi and the bossa nova into one hilarious package.  So between Art and Bill, I have two reasons to catch David's 8pm show tonight.

Last July Pierre of  The Gigometer mentioned Charlie Faye to me.  Charlie is an Austin-based musician who appears in NYC from time to time usually backed up by the same musicians who used to back up Amy Speace.  I tried to see Charlie when she was last here in July, but the outdoor show she was to appear at was canceled because of the summer's ever present rain.

A listen to some of the tracks on Charlie's Myspace confirms her reputation for playing rock, blues and Americana.  I'm looking forward to finally seeing Charlie in the 9pm slot tonight.

David Mead (8pm), Charlie Faye (9pm), The Rockwood Music Hall, 196 Allen Street,
(F Train to Second Avenue, use the First Avenue exit, cross Allen Street and walk a half block south), no cover.

 --Eliot Wagner