From Sea to sea

I toodled off to The Rainbow last night to catch some folk music action. I didn't know anything about the three acts on the bill, and only spent a few brief moments to listen to Jeff Andrew at CBC3. From the song I heard I decided he was man with a serious Tom Waits jones ... but more on that later. Apart from everything else, I'm glad I brought a book to this show since while it was slated to start at 9 p.m., they were still soundchecking at 10:30.

First up, local folkie busking duo The Rough Sea, who put on a nice stripped-down set on guitar banjo and mandolin (with a bit of ukulele thrown in for good measure).


The Rough Sea at The Rainbow, April 17, 2011


The Rough Sea at The Rainbow, April 17, 2011  

Jeff Andrew, contrary to earlier (and brief) listening, sounded a bit like Mike Ness and nothing like Tom Waits. He was ably accompanied by his backing band Crows at Midnight on a variety of instruments and occasionally switched over to fiddle.


Jeff Andrew at The Rainbow, April 17, 2011

Kenan Sungur and Radar back him up on drums and mandolin (and occasionally bass and kazoo).


Jeff Andrew at The Rainbow, April 17, 2011 

Jess Hill finished things off with her folk-noir stylings.


Jess Hill at The Rainbow, April 17, 2011 

She also had her touring companions up on stage.


Jess Hill at The Rainbow, April 17, 2011 

That was nice, but I had to split a bit early.