#079 Phillipia We Are One (by John Shaw)
Atlanta soul songstress Phillippia performs a Maze cover at the Alley Lounge at Acoustix Jazz Restaurant and Lounge, 11/24/12
(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)
Live Soul at Acoustix, Atlanta GA
When Phillippia finished her Acoustix set, an R & B singer named D-Metro came on stage and did one song before the end of the night, to get people ready for his appearance at the club the following weekend, Atlanta GA, 11/24/12
Phillippia Live at the Alley Bar at Acoustix, Atlanta GA
When the jazz in Acoustix Restaurant upstairs had come to an end, I walked downstairs into the Alley Bar, where an incredible young soul/funk band was backing up several singers. I was especially impressed with the drummer, whose sense of “pocket” and chops kept the band tight. The headliner proved to be a soul singer named Phillippia (@stayaddicted10), who apparently has a certain degree of fame in the Atlanta market. Originally from Miami, she skillfully blends neo-soul, traditional soul and R & B covers, reggae, and the occasional hip-hop/hardcore reference, as in her single “Addicted to My Grind.” She has a great stage persona and a decent voice, and with such a first-rate band backing her, the night was truly amazing. You can hear some of Phillippia’s music at http://www.reverbnation.com/phillippia, or follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/stayaddicted10.
Live Jazz at Acoustix, Atlanta GA
Acoustix Jazz Restaurant and Lounge is a fairly-upscale spot on Marietta Street in Atlanta, west of downtown. It features a restaurant with live jazz of a more traditional sort until 11 PM on weekends, and a downstairs basement lounge called the Alley which features more neo-soul, funk and contemporary jazz and which stays open slightly later. Parking can be hard to come by, and seats can fill up quickly, so it’s good to make reservations, or at least arrive early. You can keep up with the live music schedule at http://www.acoustixjazz.com/, or like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/acoustixjazz.
Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria
Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria is a great place to get wood-fired pizzas in a joyful, upbeat atmosphere on Atlanta’s Marietta Street. Visit them at http://www.maxsatl.com/Â for further info.
Curly’s Fried Chicken, Atlanta GA
Intrigued by Yelp reviews, I made it a point to swing by Curly’s Fried Chicken in West Atlanta Saturday, and I’m glad I did. The place is nothing fancy, just a walk-up window with some outside seating, but the fried chicken is outstanding, lightly seasoned with a crunchy outside and tender, juicy inside. Chicken comes either regular, or dipped in Curly’s “secret” sauce. Prices are reasonable. Visit them at http://www.curlysfriedchicken.com/home.html or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Curlys-Fried-Chicken/237106846352550?sk=wall&filter=12.
Little Five Points, Atlanta GA
Atlanta’s Little Five Points is home to @CriminalRecords, an independent record store that has become something of an institution. Although the inventory leans toward independent rock, there are decent selections of most genres, and a fair amount of vinyl. Pay them a visit in person, or online at http://criminalatl.com/Home, http://www.facebook.com/criminalrecordsatl or https://twitter.com/criminalrecords.
Decatur GA
Early Saturday morning I drove to Decatur, Georgia to have breakfast at Sweet Melissa’s on the square (worth the drive). Afterwards, I took a stroll around the square, shooting some photos, 11/24/12
Live Soul at Cafe 290, Atlanta GA
Café 290 advertises itself as a jazz bar, but it’s actually more of a place for R & B and soul. Still, the musicianship is good, the place has a friendly vibe, and it’s usually packed to the rafters. On the Friday night after Thanksgiving, I came through to catch the end of William Green’s set. Keep up with the live music schedule at Café 290 by visiting http://www.cafe290atlanta.com/ or http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cafe-290/173901131974?sk=info.