Speaking of percussion, local treasure Patrinell Wright has released a praiseworthy new CD, I'm So Glad! A Spiritual Reunion of Drums and Voices (Bongo Records). For the 10-track set, "Pastor Pat"--who recently garnered international acclaim with the rerelease of her '60s soul single "Just a Little Love Affair" on Light in the Attic's fab Wheedle's Groove Emerald City funk comp--is joined by a top-notch cadre of local drummers. Accompaniment includes ear-tickling timbres like djembe, congas, and a kalimba, and Pat is in prime form on an array of African-American spirituals like "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child." To celebrate, Pat will be appearing with Total Experience Gospel Choir at the Century Ballroom's Gospel Brunch this Sunday, March 13. Vittles are served at 12:30 p.m., the show is at 1:30, and reservations are strongly encouraged.
What's the most beguiling musical instrument in the world… besides the jingle bells? The singing saw. Don't take our word for it; check out the haunting interpretation of "Amazing Grace" by Melissa Swingle (Trailer Bride) on Luaka Bop's soundtrack to the new documentary starring alt-country oddball Jim White, Searching for the Wrong-Eyed Jesus… that is, when the disc and film come out this summer. Meanwhile, catch Vancouver, BC roots quartet the Town Pants--featuring Aaron Chapman on mandolin, tin whistle, harmonica, and saw--at the Tractor on Tuesday, March 15. If you've ever yearned to hear a band that sounds like the Pogues crossed with the Mountain Goats, Town Pants are the answer to your twisted prayers.
Damien Jurado fans have to wait till April 12 to hear his stellar new album, On My Way to Absence. But this week, he'll be making a special appearance at Mars Bar, on Thursday, March 10, as DJ Boss Royale. What kind of tunes does the Seattle troubadour sprinkle in his DJ sets? Jurado's record crate includes plenty of reggae and ska (Prince Buster, Desmond Dekker), vintage R&B (Marvin Gaye, Big Mama Thornton) and '60s pop (early Beatles, Herman's Hermits, the Shirelles). The show, which also features a performance by Cameron Elliott of Western States, is a benefit for Chris Salmonson of the Mosquito Fleet Moped Army, who recently lost a testicle to cancer and is about to begin chemotherapy. Get your ass down there and pony up the five bucks to help Chris out.
