Flatland, Tabla Rasa, Nairobi Trio
Grand Emporium
03.26.2001

Review by Dana Detrick-Clark

Flatland

Fans of acoustic performer and 2001 Klammie nominee Stephanie Hewett have no doubt been waiting to hear what her bluesy tunes would sound like with a full ensemble, which is what Flatland delivered at the May 26 Zone Benefit at the Grand Emporium.

Hewett's songs, like "Bag of Blood and Bones" are easily recognizable, but with new texture that give them more form. Drummer Mac and bassist Jay give Stephanie's tunes a solid backbone that even makes her take the guitar off every now and again and dance around. Guitarist Josh is the biggest standout though, adding both layers of ambience with sparse playing on the more alternative of the repertoire, and clean chicken pickin' to the more traditional. Stephanie's dynamic stage presence is able to be a bit freer with the full band, though at times when she takes the guitar off her eclectic acoustic playing is missed.

Flatland is at its best when it's reveling in its bluegrass roots. This will surely make them staples not only in the scene at the Grand Emporium, but all over the region.

Tabla Rasa

The hanging of their banner and the crowd migration to the stage was my first clue that Tabla Rasa might live up to its reputation as an act to be experienced.

The well rehearsed ensemble delivered personal, yet complex songs to the impressive audience. Their harmonies were tight and their Rusted Root/Blind Melon influenced sound was the proper party atmosphere to get people to their feet in front of the stage.

One of my pet peeves is bands who don't tell me anything about their songs or merchandise from the stage, and thank Buddha this Birkenstocked quintet did not leave me hanging! I got plenty of info on their current CD and suitable stage banter.

The onstage communication among band members was pleasing as well, and Matt and Mike traded lead vocals (and instruments) with ease.

I would definitely recommend a Tabla Rasa show to anyone looking for a solid, energetic show with a few mellow undertones. The sound check might take a little longer than some bands, but the show will be worth it.

For more info, check out www.tablarasa.com.

Nairobi Trio

A lot of bands might take offense if they read in one of my reviews that their sound was "retro". These bands have probably never met me, because anyone who is around me longer than five minutes is in for an earful about why I LOVE retro. So when I say that Nairobi Trio has a "retro feel", know that I am saying it with utmost adoration.

I loved the Trio's quirky and experimental approach to straightforward power pop. Songs like "Precious Fruits of Small Labour" and "Centiments" (from their EP Accusatory Anthems) kept most of the crowd foot tapping, and the groove based "Everything is Free" won over any naysayers. Guitarist Eric and bassist Sean shook things up a bit by trading lead vocals on top of drummer Samantha's no-frills, solid beat (on a seemingly tiny drumset).

I can't do a review without mentioning the charm of the Ernie Kovacs-inspired bunny and ape-suited dancers which accompanied the performance. It was great to see a band willing to try something that off the wall at such a traditional establishment as the Grand Emporium.

Attendees at the May 26 Zone Benefit were in for quite a treat; they got to see two bands with a fun party feel that could not have contrasted more to each other (Tabla Rasa preceded the Trio in the lineup). With a sound that I might compare to the early B-52's taking a time machine to 2034, Nairobi Trio is an act to be experienced.

For more info, check out www.nairobitrio.com.

--Dana Detrick-Clark dana@thezone.org