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August 24- August 31,2003 |
On The Beat
Mellow Hawaii
By Kerry Doole
Originally Published: 2003-08-03
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Hawaii
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HAWAII: These locals have generated a real buzz with their current self-titled debut CD on Paper Bag Records. A recent set at The Rivoli was far from flawless, but did show why they've got people talking. They have a mellow, sometimes gentle sound that mirrors the choice of band name. Guitarist/singer SAM GOLDBERG (ex-BODEGA and BIONIC) has an attractive voice and fluent guitar style (especially on slide), while his partner SAMANTHA TERRY contributes monochromatic vocals reminiscent to HOPE SANDOVAL of MAZZY STAR. Her voice was sometimes buried in the mix, but this added to the gauzy, dreamy sound. Hawaii played as part of another fine UMBRELLA MUSIC lineup. They were followed onstage by MELLONOVA, another Toronto band to have created some attention over the last few years. They've changed personnel and are apparently considering a name change. Stylistically, they've toned down the shoegazing element, preferring a more direct approach, one still stressing strong guitar work. The next Umbrella night at The Riv is on August 20, with NATHAN LAWR, GENTLEMAN REG, synth-pop poseurs PONY DA LOOK, and SLOAN's JAY FERGUSON amongst those appearing.
SARAH JANE MORRIS: Fresh from appearances at folk and jazz festivals out West, this charming English singer checked into Top O' The Senator (home of the $7.60 pint) for a gig that showed why she is such a big deal in Europe (especially Italy). Formerly with THE COMMUNARDS, Morris has developed as a songwriter, but it is her work as an interpreter of soul, jazz, rock and blues standards that really caught the ear. Her voice has a deep and rich character, but is also capable of real subtlety, and it defies easy definition. Her onstage theatrics had a definite cabaret feel, and were just occasionally a mite overwrought. Similarly, she reminded us just a little too often how big she is elsewhere and how much others have loved her work. Those were minor blemishes, easily forgiven by her vocal brilliance. She tackled BARRY WHITE, JANIS JOPLIN (on whom Morris admits she is fixated) and LEONARD COHEN songs, plus soul classics like "I Can't Stand The Rain" and "Me And Mrs Jones," given a saucy gender twist. Leading able assistance on guitar was KEVIN ARMSTRONG, who reportedly last played in this city as part of IGGY POP's band! As well as these covers, Morris sang some songs from her fine current CD, Love And Pain. The warm reaction she received happily should ensure a return visit.
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