On Tap takes a look at four local and touring bands each month. If you are interested in being featured, please send your CD along with contact information, including your website and a list of upcoming shows to On Tap Magazine, Attention Four Play: 25 S. Dove St., Alexandria, VA 22314
Pokey Lafarge & The South City Three
Web: www.pokeylafarge.net
Album: Riverboat Soul
Show: May 14 at Dogfish Head Brewery in Rehoboth Beach: 320 Rehoboth Beach, DE; 302-226-2739; www.dogfish.com
LaFarge, a 26-year-old Missourian with a slight build and a big, booming voice, pays homage to the classic sounds of early 20th Century America on his latest release “Riverboat Soul.” Ragtime, gospel, blues, country and Appalachian sounds all get their due under LaFarge’s playful direction. But because the genres are melded so seamlessly — and with such competent musicianship — Pokey never sounds, well, hokey. “La La Blues” opens with a wailing harmonica and plucky backbeat, as LaFarge sings about a catfish swimming in the St. Louis River. This is infectious foot stomper is followed by “Claude Jones,” a story about a legendary Virginia bootlegger of the same name. The chug-a-lug nature of the musical arrangement — punctuated by a kazoo! — makes you want to bust out some silly dance. There’s little chance that Riverboat Soul will permeate pop radio anytime soon, but there’s always a place for talent. That’s why LaFarge just got invited to the legendary Newport Folk Festival this summer. Catch him closer to home this month in Rehoboth Beach. — Michael Coleman
No Second Troy
Web: www.nosecondtroy.com
Album: Colors
Show: Washington, DC-based No Second Troy are veterans of the local music scene, continuously putting out albums and steadily increasing their fan base with shows throughout the East Coast. A unique cross between indie and pop, this five-piece band’s latest CD, “Colors,” is a successful 13-track blend of melodic tunes and smooth, effortless sounds. The initial track on this second LP, “Colors,” is a 36-second musical ballad setting the stage for a mellow album. Ironically titled “Grounded,” the second song was a personal favorite, with mature and instantly infectious lyrics like, “My feet don’t touch the ground, you feel like coming down.” The rest of the album follows suit combining their experienced sound into an authentic mix of five musicians at their best. And don’t think their live show is any different. No Second Troy is just as catchy live as they are on this album. Their energy is apparent every time they take the stage, and this energy resonates in “Colors.” You won’t be skipping songs on this album, since each and every one will be a favorite. —Ashley Estill
Ted Garber
Web: www.tedgarber.com
Album: American Rail
Show: May 7 at Velocity Five in Sterling (solo): 20789 Great Falls Plaza, Sterling, VA; 703-444-8666; www.velocityfiverestaurant.com
It’s hard to blend blues, jazz and roots rock together to create anything that really and truly works, but somehow Ted Garber has mixed these diverse sounds together to form his latest album, “American Rail,” a 10-track masterpiece. Catchy and mellow, smooth yet upbeat, Garber creates a one-of-a-kind album with his harmonica riffs and blues-y sound. “Strike It Up,” a distinctively upbeat ballad, further proves what a chameleon Garber is with backing horns and lyrics that make you want to bust a move. Funk, blues, roots rock, jazz and rock n’roll all make appearances in this latest album from the DC native, along with a refreshingly talented backing section full of horns, organs, a piano, drums and bass. “Giving Tree,” is where you really hear and feel the blues meets New Orleans sound. If you mixed Jason Mraz-style vocals and blues, you get this four-minute track, both musically and lyrically impressive. “American Rail” is a complete mix of sounds and musical styles, but you know what? It works. The entire album flows together into one captivating project. —Ashley Estill
Taking Saturn
Web: www.myspace.com/takingsaturn
Album: The Human Effect
Show: May 27 at Jaxx: 6355 Rolling Rd., Springfield, VA; 703-569-5940; www.jaxxroxx.com
Eight tracks of hard, emotional rock is what you get with DC-based Taking Saturn’s album, “The Human Effect. “A fitting album name indeed, especially for such solid and distinct tracks like, “Be the Fire” and “Finding You,” that depict raw and passionate emotions. Sounding like the love child of Stone Temple Pilots and Nirvana, Taking Saturn takes their sound to the next level, with an obvious fire in each track. “Finding You” is especially impressive lyrically with a chorus that is brutally honest and poignant: “Cause all I need is you, is it everything it could be…” Expect Taking Saturn to tour the East Coast in support of this debut album, including at local music spot Jaxx on May 27, on the heels of shows in Baltimore and New York. If this is any indication of what the future holds for Taking Saturn, we’re in for a rockin’ treat. —Ashley Estill
