Friday, Aug. 24

INDIE FOLK the comforters

I still love the fab four so anyone who lists the Beatles as a major influence is OK in my book, and the Comforters do just that. While the Beatle influence is well camouflaged, you can catch little Lennon/McCartney hooks in each one of the tunes from this Oregon-based husband and wife duo. Akin to Cowboy Junkies, Pia and Jason Robbins play a brand of lethargic alt country but are more on the acoustic side of the spectrum of the heroin chic genre. With Jason’s masterfully crafted guitar licks and Pia’s whimsical vocal style, the two construct perfectly penned pop songs but put a folk spin on the lyrics, which is pleasingly gentle.



Their 2006 debut, Transplants, featured a bevy of guest musicians that brought their songs to total realization. The disc got rave reviews from local press as well as such magazines as Pop Culture Press, Rootstime and my old stomping ground, Hybrid Magazine. More than just the beautiful melodies and exquisite harmonies the CD possesses, they have been praised for their insightful songwriting. No subject is taboo as they write about affairs, depression, alienation, and heartache. But it’s not all gloom and doom for the tree-hugging twosome, and they go to their happy place, too.

[Le Voyeur, 10 p.m., no cover, 404 E. Fourth Ave., Olympia, 360.943.5710]

Saturday, Aug. 25

ADULT ALTERNATIVE scott fisher

In the past 10 years or so the music industry has seen a shift for the better as artists such as John Mayer, Jason Mraz and Jack Johnson have redefined the sound of adult alternative. With catchy songwriting and radio-friendly grooves, they have set the stage for other up-and-comers to aspire to, and Portland-based singer/songwriter Scott Fisher is no exception. Like Mayer, Mraz and Johnson, Fisher combines folk, jazz, rock and pop for a sound that is easy to listen to but not easy listening. But playing the piano instead of guitar sets him apart from the three and slots him in the same category as Brit-pop sensation Keane. Lyrically smart, the words he puts to music are not complex but rather are about everyday life and the evolution of relationships, which his soothing voice was-tailor made to sing about.



Bringing his songs to full fruition, Fisher has employed the service of jazz-blues guitarist Bob Durham and hard-rockin’ drummer Enrique “Bugs” Gonzalez. Fisher has released three discs since 2002. His latest, 2007 Step Into the Future, could very well lead to a deal with a major label as the pop crooner has delivered his most comprehensive CD to date.

[Jazzbones, 8:30 p.m., all ages, $8, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169]

Sunday, Aug. 26

BLUES paul green and straight shot

While I’ve never officially met Paul Green, I have seen him perform a handful of times, and he always thanks me for coming out. I like that. That is old school. That is class.

Green plays the blues the way they’re meant to be played; shuffles in G and slow burning blues without the designer makeover. Along with Al Kaatz (guitar), Howard Hooper (bass) and Les Merrihew (drums), Straight Shot grooves their way through standards and originals with style and grace. As a harp player, Green is one of the best in the state, and as a vocalist is as hip as the Pink Panther. Not one to rest on his laurels, the New Jersey transplant has an acoustic project with James “Curley” Cooke called Cooke ‘n’ Greens. The duo has released two discs since 1996. Both CDs are chock-full of folk blues, which would make Sunhouse proud. However, my favorite album Green ever released is Live at the Sunbanks Blues Festival, and I gave it a more-then-stellar review back in 2003. Captured live and unrehearsed, the band powered through such tunes as “Don’t Start Me Talking” and “Stop Right Now” at full throttle.

[The Spar, 7 p.m., no cover, 2121 N. 30th St., Tacoma, 253.627.8215]