Lady Sings The Blues

A performance review by Mark Stitt, Saturday, 4/23/05

You know how I like to write up a little review of all the bands I see, kind of a hobby of mine. Well, I went and saw 'Trampled Under Foot' again Friday night, and I am not sure that I have the vocabulary to describe what a great, great performance they put on. I am no stranger to seeing them play, having seen them numerous times now, yet they are still able to take the stage and absolutely blow me away, along with the rest of the crowd. I can always tell the newcomers by the raised eyebrows, delighted expressions and seeing them turn to each other and mouth the word 'wow'! At the end of the night, their faces are covered in grins like they are carrying a glad secret.

So it was last night. Nick, the guitarist, had injured the index finger on his right hand. Since he plays left handed, it did not affect his ability to pick or strum, and he was only slightly hampered with the fret work. Still, you would have to think that a 3 fingered guitarist would have SOME sort of deficiency, but that was not the case at all. He continues to impress me with his ability and the ease with which he plays. They had invited the guitarist from 'The Nortons', John Brandsgard, to play with them, and let me tell you, not only did it really flesh out the sound of the band, he was a phenomenal player in his own right.

Several times during the night, he and Nick would trade off leads on songs with great success. It reminded me of seeing Eric Clapton play, his playing was so effortless. He never sang a note, but his grin spoke volumes about what a good time he was having.

Kris once again provided a solid foundation with the drums, solid kick bass notes and really good rolls, fills and flourishes. But as always, it was Danielle Nicole's voice that stood out, it is an instrument unlike any other. Did I mention that girl can sing? Just unbelievable, what a rare treat, she truly has to be heard live to be appreciated. And did I mention that she is all of 22?

Are you kidding me? She did lots of favorites, but in the second set did an old Etta James song, I think the name is 'Blind Woman' but I am not sure. Let me tell ya, she tore that song into little bitty pieces, head thrown back, hair in her face, voice literally blasting the roof off the joint. I mean, she always sounds great, but every once in a while she reaches way down deep inside and unleashes this voice that can't be described, it must be heard. Throbbing with emotion, it just roars with anguish, pain and misery way beyond her years, both soulful and bone chilling. Let me tell ya, she just absolutely nailed it. I looked down and all the hair on my arms were standing straight up! Man, what I would not give to have a copy of THAT performance.

I also noticed that all the people shooting pool and throwing darts had stopped what they were doing and were looking on with similar awe-struck expressions on their faces. Just a great, great performance by a world class blues singer. She followed that up with a couple of Janis Joplin songs, 'Summertime', 'Me and Bobby McGee' and 'Mercedes Bends'. Throw in some Ray Charles, some B.B. King, a little Susan Tedeschi along with some of their own originals and it just made for a great night of live music.

A friend of mine, Tom, had seen my prior review and had passed it along to some of his friends. Turns out that 8-10 of them showed up, and I went and chatted with them between sets. They were all shaking my hand and thanking ME, telling me what a good time they were having and really enjoying the band. I told them all I try to do is get people through the door, after that it was up to the band and what an easy sell that is. I had no doubt they would not only enjoy it, but come away impressed and ready to spread the word.

So, once again, I am putting out the word. Mark your calendars, hire a baby sitter, get your grass cut etc., do what you have to but COME SEE THIS BAND PLAY LIVE! Then, and only then will you understand what it is I am trying so inadequately to describe. This is not a case of "yeah, I went to a bar and saw some band last night", it is an opportunity to be treated to a live performance unlike any other and one I guarantee that you will truly enjoy. I have been to hundreds of shows, from the smallest venues to stadium concerts, and yet have rarely felt the kind of thrill I get from seeing TUF. Trust me, do yourself a favor and check them out.