Written by Eddie Ferranti
Got an unexpected treat when we rolled up to see Amy Lavere and hubby Will Sexton at one of our fave pubs McGonigels Mucky Duck. They had brought along David Cousar on electric guitar and Shawn Zorn on skins. Having just caught this duo with the other project they have going, Motel Mirrors, at Cottonwood we were stoked at what was coming up. Disappointment did NOT happen!“Last Rock n’ Roll Boy to Dance” got the crowd’s attention with her smokey vocals bookended by trippy electric wizardry of Sexton and Cousar. It is a tune that is dear to Amy’s heart about the lost art of swing dancing. Sexton can noodle the neck of a guitar with the best of them and tonight he seemed at ease ready to rip. Early on Lavere showed to be a confident leader of this foursome and when she told the story about her label wanting a “love song” she replied , “I don’t do love songs”, but gave them “Damn Love Song” any way. So there. Girl comes in a small package, but packs a punch with a great sense of humor and a southern smooth twang to her vocal delivery. All night she was able to draw you in with intoxicating purring backed by solid build up type action from thee other three mates. With the sound being so good at this venue you could actually hear all the lyrics sharply. None better than “Walking Down by the River”, killer “Killing Him”, and Will grabbing lead on “Lesson” ruled.
Lavere dropped in a new tune ,”Don’t Wait for Me”, which she had performed live only once before. Her funny bone came out again talking about a bar she played at that had “soft porn Wednesday’s”! Epic tale. The gig had a nice roll to it and shifted in to high gear on “Downtown Blues” with Sexton playing both acoustic and electric mid stream. Cousar just mashin’ it flamenco style all night long was a nice touch for sure. Lavere’s closing shot three bagger from “Runaway Diary” was sweet with “Big Sister”, “Rabbit”, and “Day Like Any”. After getting to catch this immense collection of talent twice in a short time span solidified them as must see in the future. Cannot say enough about Lavere’s take charge attitude while riding her stand up bass with dueling electric action backed by solid back beat. Made for a solid night of music that we felt we stole! Keep your eyes peeled for this Memphis based band and you won’t be disappointed we promise……..Get off your duff and see some stuff!
Eddie “Edge” Ferranti
Senior Editor
Houston Music Review