Finger-Lickin' Good: The ChickenBucket Tour

at Iota, March 12.

Recommended beverage
to go with this show:
Monday is half-price wine night at Iota.

Three acoustic pop singers have embarked on what they've labeled The ChickenBucket Tour. Playing at small venues across the States, the three guys hail from the south but admittedly don't sing any country music. Each of the three played a short solo set and then they jammed together at the end, playing covers from Elton John to Boyz II Men.

First up, Atlanta-based Nathan Angelo sang songs from his debut album, Through Playing Me. Playing keys and singing with his sweet, soulful voice, Angelo played a great set. Some of his songs are bittersweet and some, such as Love Sucks, are just plain bitter. He's got a style similar to Gavin DeGraw but an even broader vocal range and his grooves are positively infectious. Very down to earth, both on stage and when I complimented him after the show, this guy is going places...

Next up, Nashville's Andy Davis alternated between acoustic guitar and keyboard and sang beautiful ballads from his new EP, Fine China and his 2004 full-length disc, Thinks of Her. This young, exceptionally talented singer/songwriter has a John Mayer meets Damien Rice vocal...sweet and pure, and sometimes a little smoky. His solid musicianship and heartfelt lyrics make this folk rocker one to watch...

Unlike the first two acts, modesty was not a virtue for Nashville's Josh Hoge, brother of Will, though he sounds nothing like him. His attempts at humor came off as cocky and it didn't set a proper tone for an otherwise relaxing show. With a guitarist at his side, Hoge was good but, on the whole, was upstaged by the openers. (not the first time that's happened at Iota, as I always giddily recall seeing John Mayer open for Glen Phillips a few years back).

All in all, a great show for Angelo and 'the Tennessee two.'

Fun Footnote: Since Nathan had beaten Andy to the male restroom, Andy ducked into the women's one. I was standing right outside the restroom when he exited. "I know I'm not a woman," he chuckled. Too funny. This reminds me to mention that I vote Iota as having the best club bathroom in the DC area. The ladies room always smells like cinnamon and something about the lighting offers an amazing reflection in the mirror. It's always clean and always is well stocked with paper towels, tp, and soap. Rock on!