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.
soul
Acoustix Basement
When the jazz is done upstairs in the restaurant, Acoustix has a first-rate soul band down in the basement. (at Acoustix Jazz Restaurant And Lounge)
James Music, Huntsville AL
James Music, formerly James Records and Tapes, is a legendary urban music institution on Memorial Parkway in Huntsville, which I honestly thought had closed. Instead, I learned that the building had suffered water damage and thus was closed for awhile, but is back open again. There is an especially good selection of rare vinyl, a section of local Huntsville rap artists, and a good selection of blues and southern soul.
Honoring the Memphis Horns at the Rock and Soul Museum
On Tuesday October 30, 2012, the Memphis Rock and Soul Museum (a Smithsonian institution) held a reception to honor the Memphis Horns at the opening of the Horn of Plenty exhibit in the museum. Sadly, Andrew Love passed away in April, but his family members were present, and Wayne Jackson was present. John Hornyak of the Memphis Recording Academy chapter and Memphis Mayor A. C. Wharton spoke. This was the most recent event in a year that has seen a flurry of belated honors for Memphis musicians.
D. Monet and Ess Tribe at the River Arts Festival, Memphis
Memphis singer D Monet performs with her band Ess Tribe at the Neosoulville stage at the River Arts Festival in Memphis, 10/27/12. You can like her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/D-Monet/191472080820.
Devin Crutcher at the River Arts Fest, 2012
Devin Crutcher performs on the Neosoulville stage at the River Arts Festival in Memphis, 10/29/12
Devin Crutcher Live at the Neosoulville Stage, River Arts Fest, Memphis
#038 Devin Crutcher @ River Arts Festival (by John Shaw)
Devin Crutcher performs with his band on the Neosoulville stage at the River Arts Festival in Memphis, 10/27/12
Devin Crutcher “You’re My Lady”
#037 Devin Crutcher You’re My Lady @ River Arts Festival (by John Shaw)
Devin Crutcher performs with his band on the Neosoulville stage at the River Arts Festival in Memphis, 10/27/12