Fuzzy Nasty debuts at the Jazzhaus while North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue shakes up the Bottleneck

It was a busy Thursday, with friends going to the bars early, after hanging out even earlier. But the night was just getting started when I left Louis' Downtown to go to the Jazzhaus and catch Fuzz Nasty.
The five-piece funky blues band was performing for the first time together on stage, for what was a long, exciting set of blues with funky bass and keyboard solos as well as jazzy saxophone and trumpet parts.
The lead singer, who occasionally busted out a trumpet, had a perfect funky blues voice, reminiscent of James Brown. Beside him was a saxophonist with skills and energy, backed up by an electric guitarist and bassist who worked well with the fast-handed percussionist and the keyboardists' deft harmonics.
Altogether the band sounded well practiced and confident, far from beginners. It's hard to believe last night was their first performance, but it's exciting to think they started so strong.
Still, when several of my friends were calling it a night as early as 11:30, and many more friends were at another show, I couldn't resist the temptation to hop over to the Bottleneck for some hardcore blues-rock.

When I saw North Mississippi Allstars when they played the Granada a year ago last Fall, the band consisted of three, and the crowd, although not quite big enough to fill the large venue, was still big, excited and happy to cheer the band on. Some friends there were among the most appreciative audience members, and together we made sure we had a great time, even in the crowded Bottleneck.
Last night the North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue had a new drummer, and additional guitarists and singers switching places with the lead singer and guitarist. The band, although larger, was now on a smaller stage, playing at a smaller venue. The Bottleneck was virtually packed, but sadly the crowd filling the dance floor was over 50% older couples, too tired and calm to dance to the energetic blues rock. Those trying to get down to the jams had trouble finding space, and other people to dance with. But with enough drinks, it was hard to resist the beats.
North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue may be larger than before, but the core of the band, the lead singer/guitarist and the bassist are what make it powerful. A stronger harmony and steadier body of music behind the rocking, funky solos and jams only makes the band better. However, the crowd was clearly not appreciative of the great band's fantastic performance.
After playing from about 10 until 12:30, the band stopped, slowly taking a drink before pretending to put away their equipment. Sadly, the crowd of elderly folks was not familiar with the cat-and-mouse game in-which the band stops playing well before the bars close, so the crowd can request an encore that the band will be allowed to deliver. As soon as the final song finished, and the crowd gave a brief applause, the dance floor emptied abruptly, everyone making a bee-line for the bar, bathrooms or the exit.
The only people who looked more surprised or disappointed than me were the band members themselves. So, with an hour left before last call, my friends and I made our way back to the Jazzhaus to catch the end of Fuzz Nasty's set.

The new funk band was still at full blast in the Jazzhaus, with the bar completely full and the porch outside loud with excited smokers talking. The band had a full dance-floor of fans getting down, and played until last call. Fuzz Nasty has a perfect grasp of bluesy funk music, with a smooth blend of saxophone, guitars, and keyboard backed up by bass and drums, with the singer's comfortably familiar voice. After their "final song" the band was taken aback at the audience's vehement demand for more. A short encore was allowed by the bar owners, to which virtually everyone stayed, for one last funky jam.

After all that, with work early in the morning, I decided to pass on the after-parties, but I'm excited for more great local shows like Fuzzy Nasty's debut, as well as big names like North Mississippi Allstars Hill Country Revue coming to town.

As for this weekend?

Tonight: Friday, March 12th, Speakeasy is playing at the Bottleneck with Bootney Farnsworth. Speakeasy is a jam rock band, that I know I've heard of before, but I'm not sure how familiar I am with their music.

Tomorrow: Saturday, March 13th, Kid Congo Powers & The Pink Monkey Birds are playing at the Jackpot with Spook Lights, The Harrisonics, and Weird Wounds. The Spook Lights are my favorite local band before I discovered From Quiet Arms. The Spook Lights play a hard, sharp style of Rockabilly that I personally love. The Spook Lights don't play often these days, but I'm keeping my eyes open for them.