Angie Aparo
This intense, post-modern folkie likely made a bundle off Faith “sore loser” Hill’s smash cover of his own “Cry,” but he’s also grown a fervent fanbase the old-fashioned way — through relentless touring. Aparo’s an extremely talented guitarist and tunesmith with a keen sense of drama and dynamics. His voice is his real calling card, though. It’s a mood weapon, capable of going from low and spooky to a glorious falsetto with little notice. He works the crowd, too, much like a slightly preening version of Tom Petty. This intimate, late-night acoustic show is an annual tradition that longtime fans (from his salad days as a budding club act on this resort island) treat as a standing thank you note from someone who’s not forgotten his roots. Sun., midnight, The Jazz Corner (Hilton Head).
Bryan Bowers
This autoharp virtuoso (how many times does one find themselves described as such?) has been a big name on the American folks scene for almost half a century. Not just a stellar talent (with a distinctive fingerpicking style) on this deceptively simplistic-looking 36-stringed instrument, he’s also an accomplished songwriter and singer with a knack for keeping crowds engaged while they bask in the ethereal, spiritually uplifting resonance of his autoharp. Tickets for this rare gig are $8 for Savannah Folk Music Society members and $10 for the general public. For more info, call 786-6953. Wed., 7:30 pm, First Presbyterian Church, (520 Washington Street) - ALL-AGES.
Deep Blue 3
A rock solid local electric blues trio (playing both older standards and more modern fare) that’s quietly become one of the best such bands around. Sat., 9 pm, Pogy’s Bar & Grill (Richmond Hill).
Lucero
Last time this Memphis alt.country powerhouse played this venue, frontman Ben Nichols got drunker than a shit-house rat and spent his last half-hour onstage alone, trying desperately to make it through a solo rendition of one of his favorite tunes from start to finish without screwing up. While the capacity crowd’s giggles eventually turned to sympathy for the hapless singer, his dedication to giving everyone their money’s worth was heart-wrenchingly endearing. Lucero inhabit a strange world where Bruce Springsteen & The E-Street Band throw back shots with The Replacements at Steve Earle’s place. Come to think of it, that’s not too hard to imagine. Drag The River (not Michelle Malone’s old band) and Maritime open. Advance $12 tickets are available now at the venue for what’s assumed to be a sellout. Thurs., Dec. 7, 10 pm, The Jinx.
Modern Skirts
This buzzworthy Athens-based indie-pop band’s members trade instruments as easily as they construct piano-and-guitar-based ditties that are twice as complex as their catchy melodic hooks might appear on first listen. It’s a safe bet that if these guys can stay together, they’ll be some sort of a major national presence before too long. Fri., 10 pm, Murphy’s Law.
Silver Lining CD Release
After steadily gigging as a well-received local jazz combo for a couple of years now, this irrepressible trio of guitarist Jackson Evans, his singing bassist wife Maggie and drummer Mark Cordray (playing to his strengths as a percussionist) has cut their 1st album. The Nature of Luck finds the group offering up 10 tracks of delicate, bouncy —and occasionally bluesy— originals designed to allow each member to shine (in addition to working together with the kind of familiarity that only a set lineup can bring). A friend of mine finds Maggie’s vocals on this CD at times reminiscent of Astrud Gilberto. I’m tempted to agree, and that’s high praise indeed. Fri., 9 pm, Mansion on Forsyth Park.
Jan Spillane & Stan Ray
Jan’s a longtime area songwriter who’s released 3 indie CDs of soulful folk-pop. Stan’s the wildcard, having gigged in Nashville before opening the Broughton St. business where this show takes place, but keeping a low profile on the local scene. This is the first in his planned Live Music Series, which offers attendees an intimate acoustic show, along with fine wines and Hors d’oeuvres, all for one admission price. For tickets ($25/person, $40/couple) call 232-3323. Sat., 8 pm, Savannah Wine Shop (225 W. Broughton St.).
Yakuza
Crazy-tight Chicago quartet offering a full-on assault of screaming modern grindcore, free-jazz breakdowns and distorted, prog-metal journeys filled with Middle Eastern flourishes. One reviewer called them “as unforgiving as an avalanche of bricks.” Yep. With openers Vivisect and Intronaut. Fri., 11 pm, The Jinx.
