Nouvellas/The Above @ Maxwell's: Soul Women Make The World Go Around

A day after my big show, I was back in the comforting confines at Maxwell's. I have now become their Norm, which I'm not sure is a good thing for my liver.

Now that the Sweet Divines are doing their thing, the Nouvellas are doing there's as well. As you know, both bands sprung from the departed The Dansettes, one of my favorite local acts since I started this blog. Along with Eli "Paperboy" Reed (who just got a big write-up on Rolling Stone.com), the groups form a loose collective that puts 60s funk/soul into the heart and dancing shoes of East Coasters with their loving ode to that rich era of music. But you know where you read about these bands first ... here. You're welcome.

The setlist:

• Right Kind of Woman
• Andy 5
• Don't Change
• Can't Take It
• Leah's Song
• I've Got a Feeling
• Can You Feel It
• Over & Over
• Satisfied
• Clap Your Hands

The group consists of Jamie and Leah from Dansettes, backed by a three piece. By contrast, Sweet Divines has a rhythm section with horns. So the Nouvellas are a little more 60s rock oriented -- think Dusty Springfield as backed by the Yardbirds. If you notice their bass player in the band, it's Justin from 60s retro rockers The Black Hollies.

With that said, the girls know how to shake that stage with the soul grooves. If I wasn't so mentally out of it, I would have done some dance moves myself. I think it's important to embrace this music, because it really forms the basis of any popular music we listen to today. But also, it's just so damn fun to listen to live because you know exactly what they are striving for.

It's always interesting to see who comes out for these shows. I'm fascinated with sub-cultures of people who dress up in period costumes to fit the style of music they listen to. So on Friday, I saw girls in 60s floral dresses and guys looking like they stepped out of the old TV show, Hootenanny.   

Opening up was retro 60s garage/mod rockers The Above, one of many local bands who ate keeping the spirit of that area alive. I just like how they look. They've got it all down to a T. I love the guitarist and his serious demeanor. The drummer looked so much the part as well.

Comments

[AG]

great article! great bands..