It’s one of those nights when there’s too much good stuff, with most of those shows bumping up against each other. So take your pick, because whatever you pick will be well worth it.
Up on the Upper West Side at Lincoln Center Out of Doors you’ll find The Muscle Shoals All-Stars with special guests Patterson Hood, Bettye LaVette, Sam Moore and Dan Penn. If you are unfamiliar with these names, check out their bio here:
The Muscle Shoals All-Stars—Jimmy Johnson and David Hood of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (also known as the Swampers), a four-piece horn section, and a host of others—are the architects of some of the most iconic music this country has ever produced. Backing artists like Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, the Staple Singers, Paul Simon, Jimmy Cliff, and Percy Sledge, and “creating licks and riffs that take no more than five notes to name” (Allmusic.com), this rhythm section developed a distinct Muscle Shoals sound. Making a rare trip together outside the studio, the Muscle Shoals All-Stars will perform the songs that helped propel them deep into the canon of American popular music with an appearance by their old friend Spooner Oldham.
If you can’t make it to this show, it will be streamed live; see it by clicking here.
At 8pm, at The Mercury Lounge on the Lower East Side, Hayes Carll will play the last of his three July shows in New York City. I first saw Hayes Carll a few years ago when he opened for The Court Yard Hounds at South by Southwest. He sounded like a country Todd Snider or John Prine to me. Since then, he’s released an album titled KMAG YOYO, which is military speak for kiss my ass guys, you’re on your own, and Hayes has played New York a few times. He’s a great deal of fun.
Over in Williamsburg at Skinny Dennis, North of Amarillo will take over the music chores from 9pm to midnight as they do most Wednesday nights. North of Amarillo is inspired by the music of Emmylou Harris.The band pays tribute to her classic songs and arrangements along with a mix of originals and other country favorites, with vocals handled by the amazingly voiced Kelli Scarr.
Finally, back on the Lower East Side, Elizabeth and The Catapult will take over the cozy, subterranean Rockwood Stage 3 at 10pm. You can expect keyboard based idiosyncratic classical tinged pop and songs from the band’s three albums (including the recent Like It Never Happened, one of Now I’ve Heard Everything’s Top Albums of 2014). You’ll probably hear some new stuff as well as Elizabeth is currently working on a new album. Elizabeth also likes to throw in some inspired covers as well. I never leave one of Elizabeth’s shows without having being uplifted by the music.
The Muscle Shoals All-Stars with special guests Patterson Hood, Bettye LaVette, Sam Moore and Dan Penn, Lincoln Center Out of Doors at Damrosch Park, 62nd Street between Columbus and Amsterdam Avenues (A, B, C, D or 1 Trains to 59th Street),- show 7:30pm
Hayes Carll, Mercury Lounge, 217 East Houston Street between Ludlow and Essex Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit, F Train to Delancey Street or M or J Trains to Essex Street), 8pm, $20
North of Amarillo, Skinny Dennis, 152 Metropolitan Avenue at Berry Street (G to Metropolitan Avenue, L to Bedford Avenue or Lorimer Street), No Cover (but a contribution for the musicians is highly recommended), 9pm
Elizabeth and The Catapult, Rockwood Stage 3, 185 Orchard Street between Houston and Stanton Streets (F Train to 2nd Avenue, use the 1st Avenue exit), 10pm, $10, with a $10 drink minimum
