It Doesn't Get Much Better Than This

The Black Keys; The Mighty Imperials
@Irving Plaza
New York, NY – November 9, 2005

For all my praise and love of Detroit bands, one band that rivals this love when it comes to consistent studio work, and especially on stage, is Akron, Ohio’s The Black Keys. Guitarist/lead singer Dan Auerbach defies the mind when his light speaking voice turns into a soulful, blues, dare-I-say…black…growl and melodic cadence. The guitar work is stellar to say the least, mixing it up and chopping it down like a blues scythe. Drummer Patrick Carney pounds it out with rhythmic fury despite his seemingly emotionless persona. The Black Keys are the ultimate nexus between blues, garage, and arena rock (the best of Zeppelin gone garage with Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters). Talk about a bang for your buck. Openers The Mighty Imperials are a professional funk-rock jam band. If you like that sort of stuff, then you’d like these guys.

The Black Keys; Nathaniel Mayer with Troy Gregory, Matthew Smith, and Dave Shettler
@ Warsaw
Brooklyn, NY – November 10, 2005

Another night of absolutely flawless rock n roll and blues. Warsaw is an excellent venue, which only helps the vibe of the night (you can’t beat an intimate show with cheap booze and kielbasa and potato pancakes and perogies). This night, however, featured a flawless opening act as well – the one, the only Nathaniel Mayer, an aging old soul and blues rock n roller, who scored a couple hits in the Golden Age before being resurrected by Fat Possum Records. Dressed in funky kung fu attire, Mr. Mayer aims to please…especially the ladies. Kitschy? Yes but so what? Nathaniel Mayer has earned it. And with this kind of band, he can do whatever he wants. That’s right, another Mr. One-and-Only, the unstoppable, unfailing, ubiquitous, humble Mr. Troy Gregory on bass. Outrageous Cherry leader Matthew Smith wailing away on guitar…he seems to surprise himself at his ability to play in a powerhouse rock n roll way, rather than his usual psychedelic pop ease. Drummer Dave Shettler, formerly of the Sights and Nathaniel’s regular band the Shanks, is as solid as they come, and he also carries a disarmingly charming pop singing voice to help the gruff, scorched voice of Nathaniel along. And that’s the thing about Nathaniel Mayer…his voice is by all means gone. It sounds like a robotic voice box when he speaks. Years of booze, cigs, and god knows what else have taken their toll…but when the music begins, that voice is something from another planet. Whether it be a rockin’ blues number (especially the unbelievably impressive opener “What’s Your Name?”) or a touching ballad of old, that voice is stunningly on track and full of what every inspired rock n roller wants…soul.