Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Written by The Independent Staff
OSBORNE RETURNS
Singer-songwriter Anders Osborne ain't what he used to be. The skinny Swedish kid who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago now has some jambalaya on his bones and a bushy beard on his chin.
NEED A PROMOTION?
Artsy types tend to be pretty ADD about things. From chefs to musicians to bikers, they are totally focused on making a product and totally naive about marketing.
KEEP SHRIMPIN'
It's anyone's guess what will happen with this year's supply of Gulf shrimp. Our advice: take the time to savor them while you know you can.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Written by The Independent Staff
OSBORNE RETURNS
Singer-songwriter Anders Osborne ain't what he used to be. The skinny Swedish kid who moved to New Orleans 25 years ago now has some jambalaya on his bones and a bushy beard on his chin. He's one of us now - he actually has been for some time - and his newest record, American Patchwork ($14.98, Alligator Records), growls and purrs in familiar vernaculars and the halo of a Hammond B3. With backing (and touring support) by the Stanton Moore Trio (Moore on drums, Robert Walter on keys and Pepper Keenan on guitar), American Patchwork is just that: an amalgam of musical Americana woven into a plush quilt of styles with a far-seeing vibe that never loses sight of New Orleans. You can hear in the grace notes on Moore's snare drum his famously monster jazz and funk chops, but the drummer is content to lay down a simple back beat that propels Osborne's graceful, guitar-heavy songs. With the Stanton Moore Trio in tow, Anders Osborne will be at Grant Street Dancehall on June 10. Don't miss this show. - Walter Pierce
NEED A PROMOTION?
Artsy types tend to be pretty ADD about things. From chefs to musicians to bikers, they are totally focused on making a product and totally naive about marketing. "If you cook it they will come" doesn't really work outside of a 30-foot area of olfactory seduction. Enter Discordia Culture Shop, a graphic design and silk screening company that promotes local bands and businesses. Discordia has produced items for business such as AOC, Zeus, Recycled Cycles, Collage Café, and local bands such as Givers. The design company not only creates merchandise but also promotes musicians through its online podcast, Radio Discordia. In addition to CDs, Discordia has all sorts of personally designed merchandise including T-shirts, stickers, belts, buttons, paintings, and clocks - all made by Pyschological Industries graphic design. Call Discordia, located just off Johnston St. on Stewart, at 852-3129. - Madeleine Hebert
KEEP SHRIMPIN'
It's anyone's guess what will happen with this year's supply of Gulf shrimp. Our advice: take the time to savor them while you know you can. One of the best local places to do so is Steven's Fine Food and Seafood Market at 208 South Pierce St. The corner store lunch counter has a varied menu, including several Chinese dishes and even a garfish sandwich, but it's hard to beat a simple shrimp poboy when it's as good as it is at Steven's. Served on an eight-inch loaf stuffed with perfect crispy fried Gulf shrimp for just $4.99, it's a fresh reminder of just a part of what's at stake in the Gulf. Steven's is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 261-1102 for more information. - Nathan Stubbs