Night sounds
By Sam Decker
Published: July 16, 2009
Chuchito Valdes: The Jerry Lee Louis of Afro-Cuban jazz. Sophisticated piano playing - articulate and muscular - that often boils over into wild improvisation. But don't be fooled - he's always in control even when he's on his feet bashing the keys. Not one to miss. Tonight at the Old Whaling Church in Edgartown.
TCD: Watch sound sage Charlie Esposito in his Eden of strange noise. It's as if The Beatles did as much drugs as they claimed, The Beach Boys mastered their instruments, and The Kinks sang barbershop. Quirky arrangements are wrapped into hook-laden pop songs that stretch the space-time continuum of invention. Look out, this Saturday night they celebrate their 40th anniversary at Che's Lounge.
The Mercy Beat: Lead singer "Rock 'n' Roll" Rick Padilla delivers triumphant, pulse-pumping anthems, channeling the gothic sensuality of Nick Cave and the epic cry of Bono. Bliss and cascading guitars. Friday night at The Ritz.
Chali 2na Former member of hip-hop group Jurassic Five, he makes good use of one of the most baritone tones in the genre. His flow invokes rap's founding fathers while his production borrows the sampled strings, bass hooks, and flute flourishes of classic soul and funk. Monday night at Nectar's by the airport.
Three Legged Men: Possibly the raunchiest band ever to thump a conga drum. Folk-rock trio delivers dirty sex in sweet harmonies and improvised melodies. Listen closely, or you might think they're singing about sunsets and apple picking - they're not. Probably not the show for a first date. Or your mom's birthday. Monday at the Wharf in Edgartown and Tuesdays at the Lampost in Oak Bluffs.
