A rare surprise - The Alabama Shakes

I have been doing the music thing for a long time. I think this was my 23rd year of the CMJ Music Conference. Add to that numerous times attending SXSW, New Music Seminar, Foundations Forum and so many more now long gone it is rare that I see anything that excites me, let alone surprises me. Then last week I saw The Alabama Shakes.

My friend Jason mentioned he was going to see them and sent me a link to a live performance. That was enough to get me out and what I saw and heard was tremendous.

This is music I didn't think any one could make anymore. At least not anyone under the age of 65. This is old school rock and roll, R&B and blues, but it is not retro. Not a throwback. This is not Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings. This is clearly the music they grew up with and they have made it their own.

And the songs are great.

They are a five piece band from Alabama. Brittany Howard is the singer and guitar player. If you saw her on the street, you would think maybe she was your school administrator, maybe she worked with you in your office. Turns out she is a guitar playing second coming of Otis Redding. No Joke.

Here are some links. Google them. Devour them. Find what you can. Most importantly, find when they are playing near you. Find out fast, because the word is out. This is the rare occasion of a band building quickly because they are actually great. And get me a ticket.

http://www.facebook.com/theAlabamaShakes

http://www.twentyfourbit.com/post/9958667625/alabama-shakes-i-found-you-live-hang-loose