Music Forecast 11.19-11.25: Darwin Deez, Caroline Rose, Diana Krall, Rob Garza, and the Shadows of Knight
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Caroline Rose
It’s not hard to imagine 24-year-old singer-songwriter Caroline Rose as a woman on her own, living out of her van and roaming from city to city at her leisure. That was how she wrote the songs for her gorgeous 2014 debut album, I Will Not Be Afraid. She can turn a phrase like she’s summoning an inner Joni Mitchell, and the effect is impressive. The Long Island native confidently integrates elements of folk and rockabilly throughout I Will Not Be Afraid, with powerful harmonica melodies and free-wheeling guitar chords that wrap around her reedy voice. Don’t miss your chance to hear an exciting new talent Saturday at the Bottleneck.
Saturday, November 21, the Bottleneck (737 New Hampshire, Lawrence, 785-841-5483)
Darwin Deez
There was something adorably twee about Darwin Deez (Darwin Smith to his mom) when he emerged in 2010 with a self-titled album that delivered twinkling pop songs with a side of starry-eyed innocence. September’s Double Down doesn’t change that formula, which makes for a nice slice of pop nostalgia with some delightful dance chords. In a live setting, it surely will get bodies moving.
Friday, November 20, the Riot Room (4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179)
Diana Krall
The funny thing about Diana Krall’s latest album, Wallflower, is that the singer is a far cry from what the title suggests. Granted, it’s a covers album — Krall lends her voice to Doug Sahm’s “Wallflower” (which Bob Dylan wrote) as well as to the Eagles’ “Desperado” and Elton John’s “Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word” — but these songs are transformed into slow-burning gems in her care. Her smoky voice keeps an even pace throughout, and even the album’s saddest moments (Krall didn’t exactly pick romantic ballads) hold hints of pleasure and promise. It’s a new turn for the jazz singer — one we’re pleased she took.
Saturday, November 21, the Midland (1228 Main, 816-283-9921)
Rob Garza
Thievery Corporation is on pause at the moment, but that doesn’t mean co-founder Rob Garza needs a breather. Earlier this year, he delivered the Palace of Mirrors EP — a short, sweet study in house music, sampling international flavors. It’s a life-giving, trance-inducing exploration that will, at least, have you grinding against a stranger; at most, Garza’s music will convince you that you’re a newly baptized cult leader.
Sunday, November 22, the Riot Room (4048 Broadway, 816-442-8179)
The Shadows of Knight
You don’t need a reason to throw a ’60s dance party, but it helps when the Shadows of Knight comes to town — that’s the attire the group prefers at its shows. Wednesday-night at RecordBar, the Chicago band performs cuts from its seminal 1966 album, Gloria, as well as a number of lesser-known tunes. Local garage-rock band the Cave Girls and the Joey Skidmore Band open.
Wednesday, November 25, RecordBar (1020 Westport Rd., 816-753-5207)
