David & Valerie Mayfield
Before Jessica Lea and David Mayfield were stunning roots and
indie audiences the siblings cut their musical teeth touring festivals with
their parents’ bluegrass band. Their dad David, Sr. lost his job in November
and, encouraged by fans and their kids, he and his wife decided to hit the road
harmonizing as a duet as they first did years ago.
Hip Abduction
The St. Petersburg, Florida sextet grew out of a trio of surfers
jamming on African instruments. Today the full group mines traditional reggae,
laid back dub, and Afro-beat with an arsenal of horns and synthesizers which
has helped its self-titled debut peaked on Billboard’s reggae charts at No. 5.
Oddisee
Oddisee
Snug Harbor’s Knocturnal hip-hop series is on a role with D.C.
renaissance rapper, Oddisee. His credits list work with the Roots, DJ Jazzy
Jeff, De La Soul, and Little Brother. He released his own debut of poetic
rhymes over subdued, jazz-flecked tracks in 2012 followed by an equally spatial
instrumental album in 2013 (from which the above track comes).
Average White Band
Sunday
7 p.m., Knight Theater, 420 S. Tryon St., $34.50-$64.50,
www.blumenthalarts.org
The frequently sampled Scottish funk powerhouse responsible for `70s
disco crossovers like “Pick Up the Pieces,” “Soul Searching” and “Work to Do”
as well as a slew of `80s R&B and dance singles remains anchored by
original members Alan Gorrie and Onnie McIntyre 42 years into its career.
Jefferson Starship
The classic rock band’s nomenclature can lead to confusion, but
this second incarnation was responsible for high-on-harmonies `70s hits like
“Miracles” and “Jane.” Founder Paul Kantner still heads it up with Cathy
Richardson - who has played Janis Joplin Off Broadway and sings with Big
Brother & the Holding Co. - assuming Grace Slick’s role.
Swans/Xiu Xiu
After reactivating the beloved, yet challenging, no wave band
four years ago after a 13 year hiatus, Michael Gira (now 60) is making some of
the most provocative, critically acclaimed and commercially successful music of
his career - most recently with the 2-hour double album “To Be Kind.”
Osiella
This transcontinental trio of guitarist Theophilus Akai
(originally from Ghana), vocalist Cynthia Murray, and percussionist Dene
Stephens beautifully blend soul, acoustic rock, pop, and roots music. The
results can veer from Duhks-like country soul to what it might sound like if
Katy Perry and Dave Matthews collaborated.
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