by Jim Hanas & Mark Jordan
All of a sudden, Grifters’ side-projects are flooding the city,
not just on record, but live. Those Bastard Souls were at the
P&H last week and Hot Monkey is playing out more than in recent
memory. Like this Friday at the Map Room, for example. Lately,
HM has featured slide-guitar-crazy Scott Taylor with a backing
band that includes fellow Grifter Tripp Lamkins and a rhythm section
borrowed from the Joint Chiefs. And, what a coincidence, the Joint
Chiefs will be opening up. You might remember them when they were
called the Bottom Feeders and, despite some intriguing home-recording,
couldn’t quite get it to gel live. Word has it, however, that
they’re on to something lately, perhaps because of the addition
of Bob’s Lead Hyena alum Johnny Williams on bass and über-indie-drummer
Roy Berry, formerly of the Simple Ones. – Jim Hanas
Scott Taylor
Well, after several months and hundreds of games, it finally comes
down to two teams playing this Sunday for the right to be called
champion of the greatest single sporting event in the world. And
some people just don’t give a damn. For these folks, Sunday will
be a great time to go shopping, but not much else. Movie theatres
will be open but otherwise entertainment options are looking a
little slim. The Hard Rock Cafe says they’ll probably have music
after the big game as part of their Super Bowl party. But if you
want to get as far away from motion offenses, wide receivers,
and special teams as possible, may we suggest checking out the
Memphis Jazz Orchestra at the Center for Souther Folklore? It’ll
be a night short on testosterone and long on swinging rhythms,
with that huge ensemble sound that just has to be heard live.
But don’t be surprised if one of the sax players throws down his
horn and does a victory dance after a particularly hot solo; the
Super Bowl spirit tends to infect almost everyone.