Marina V.
Nick, Marina V. Shredmistress Rynata, Reggie Mars
Sorm Lee
Karma
Karma in action
FemMuse.com SHOW Reviews
THE BEST IN FEMALE INDIE ARTISTS
MARINA V; STORM LEE w/STEVIE BLACK; KARMA
at Club Lingerie, Hollywood
September 22, '04
Music Connection Industry Showcase
As I said in a previous review, I like going to Club Lingerie on Sunset Boulevard in the heart of Hollywood. Right across the street from Amoebas Music, on the busy intersection of Cahuenga Blvd. This club has seen a lot of changes. I read up on the history of this venue since I've been in L.A. for about 3 years and didn't know that it used to be the in-spot for many celebrities.
Here's a quote from one of the sources: "The building where the club now stands was the home of "The Red Velvet"--a club from the 60's -70's. It was Elvis Presley's favorite club and he could be seen there weekly in his reserved booth. A who's who of talent has graced the stage of "the Lingerie" including Gin Blossoms, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jane's Addiction, Rikki Lee Jones, Nirvana, Primus and many others. The original Club Lingerie was the hottest rock club in Los Angeles in the 80's and early 90's
Whoa...it isn't quite like that anymore but then what is.... In any event, they have some cool shows there and it has become the home for the Music Connection Magazine artist showcases.
The night kicked off with russian born singer-songwriter Marina V. She's been living in L.A. for a couple of years and is making a grand effort to get her music to the people. We had met on several occasions and she's been a part of FemMuse.com. This was a chance to see and hear her in a good club with a great P.A. and plenty of industry peeps around. One could call her style "adult alternative contemporary pop, with a somewhat dark flavor. It was just her and her keyboard for most songs. She presented several songs from her new CD "Something of my Own" and dug right into the opening number "Guardian Angel".. Immediately... she grabbed everyone's attention. Wonderful, rich, impressive voice with a great range.. ! The timber is smokey, but powerful at the same time and her choices of sweet to belting were exquisitely done. Here's a singer who knows what she's doing
"Underneath Your Sky" is one of my favorite songs by Marina. Very catchy, wonderfully delivered and well played on the piano btw (she's classically trained, citing influences from Tchaikovski to the Beatles...) This SHOULD be a hit by all accounts. Followed by "Ocean" another nice song, a bit on the laid back side. At one point she was joined by Nick on Guitar who's acoustic guitar tone was killer. He added some nice back grounds to the voice/piano thing especially on "Underneath.... they managed to really bring up the momentum on this tune. Very groovy.
(Check out this cool pix of Nick, Marina V, Shredmistress Rynata and Reggie Mars)
I liked her little anecdotes in her russian accent which guided us thru the songs. Nothing pretentious here... just fun. "A naposledok Ya Skazhu" whatever that means.. was cool. All in russian and quite snappy. A couple of more songs including the title track from her new CD and we were sold on Marina V. People were digging it and called her back for an encore. She did a great great rendition of "Here, There and Everywhere"... She's a Beatles fan and so am I. Stay tuned for more Marina V... she's the deal. Check out her site at Marina V
Okay... moving along in the program. This was the first time I heard torm Lee who came on with a full band. Right away they dug into a sprightly and up beat song that had a reggae flavor mixed with heavy pop. This guy has got a very happening sound and stage presence. Strong and expressive.. actually VERY strong and expressive. I couldn't get a song list so I just write from memory. Most of his material was up tempo, sometimes like "lounge pop" but with a twist. He did one blues number that was a show stopper. He pulled out all stops on this one, vocally and in his performance. Backed up by a good cast of musicians they put on an excellent show.
Bernard Baur from Music Connections was there and seemed to enjoy himself. He dug the acts.
Storm Lee doesn't have a website at this time so we'll just have to keep track of him as we go along. Great show guys!
One band I was looking forward to was KARMA. Fronted by "Karma" a powerful and visual rock singer, this band is great fun. Rockn' Roll, catchy songs with inspiring guitar riffs and a well rehearsed rhythm section, they are one of the best female fronted rock bands in town. They've been playing in L.A. more often recently, increasing their audience and well they should. L.A. can never have enough good rock bands w/ in-charge females. They're tight right now, having just come out of the studio and it shows.
The opening song "You can't blame love" is a throwback to the rock days with the riffs, the song title and its good beat. I love this stuff. "Cool Cool Water" is a favorite of mine. The band does an excellent job on this one. Guy Dubets on bass and Joe Wedlake on drums know how to lock in. Small detail but too many bands don't get that down too well. And Karma... well.. she takes no prisoners. She's got a great range and command of her voice. AND she knows how to perform and look the part. Can you say "rockstar"...
Songs off their new CD and others were coming on like gang busters: "They've got a name for You; How long, and Dragging Me Down"
I gotta tell ya... next to Karma, I could not keep my eyes of the lead guitarist Sean Michael White. This guy's got a style all his own.. not so much his playing (which is really good..) but the way he carries on on stage. Massively entertaining. EVERY nuance of a given song is acted out by him in a "unique" way... and he's having fun... I don't mean this "over the top.. look at me how great I am" attitude but more a "I'm having fun and I'm digging this" attitude. He's different and I like that. BTW: If were to critique anything it would be that Guy.. the bass meister.. should maybe take a lesson from Sean the guitar meister... move around just a tad my dear... they're complete opposites.
One of their strongest songs was towards the end: "Daughter of a Preacher". Again.. great hook, melody and musicianship.. everything you need in a good song. Reminded me of being in the south. Needless to say, Karma was called back for an encore and they finished their set with "Last Time". This will not have been the "last time" I've seen Karma. They really appreciate their audiences and make that known during and after the show. Go check them out next time they come your way. More details on Karma can be found at KARMA.
Well... that does it. Had to leave and missed the last band. This was indeed a very good night of music!
written and photographs by: Shredmistress Rynata