Nothing Like a Dame
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Nothing Like a Dame

Reno, Nevada, United States | INDIE

Reno, Nevada, United States | INDIE
Band Pop Rock

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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"Best of 2010: Bands provide a bountiful harvest of local CDs in 2010"

A bumper crop of self-produced CDs from area artists made this a banner year for Reno's music scene. While this casino town has long enjoyed an abundance of proficient musicians, a plethora of acts producing original music of a professional quality is a recent phenomenon.

Here are my picks of local CDs of 2010. They show that Reno not only has top-notch players in multiple genres, but also some who possess that rarest musical talent: the ability to write a good song. And stay tuned for 2011. CDs are forthcoming from ska band Keyser Soze, folkie Tyler Stafford, rapper Knowledge, hip-hopster Apprentice and singer-songwriter Grace Hutchison.

11. Tim Snider, "The Del Mar Sessions." The singer-guitarist-violinist with world-beat band Sol Jibe goes solo with a half-dozen mellow jams; pleasing background music a la soft rockers Ben Harper or Jack Johnson. Available at cdbaby, iTunes. Hot track: "Keep On."


10. Ford Corl, "Green Eyes." Guitar-and-synth modern rock, with layered sounds both soothing and unsettling, like Beck. The 28-year-old's third album delivers nine flowing numbers in 28 minutes. Available at Discology, discology.ecrater.com, cdbaby, iTunes. Hot track: "Green Eyes."

9. Dirt Communion, "Antique Mechanic." If you want to feel dirty and alive in a hurry, you can't beat 1970s-ish metal sludge. Local guitar god Eric Stangeland and rock vocalist Mark Earnest lead this foursome's charge through tempo-shifting, grungy grooves. Available at cdbaby, iTunes. Hot track: The Trapdoor Into Hell."

8. Mark Sexton Band, "Listen Out." Singer-guitarist Mark Sexton has been a pro since 19; only 22, he has a gorgeous, soulful, mature voice. His guitar-bass-drums-sax quartet serves up light funk, reggae and R&B on MSB's second CD; it's more smooth-jazz station jams than songs -- except for the killer '70s-soul, bedtime ballad "Intentions." Available at Discology, cdbaby, iTunes. Hot track: "Intentions."


7. The Saddle Tramps, "Alabama Chrome." This self-described "corn-fed rock" quartet is going on hiatus after 13 years, following four CDs and extensive touring. "Alabama Chrome's" seven tracks deliver fast, raunchy country-punk ("Hippie Killer" and "Married Alive" give you an idea) driven by rootsy guitars and warbling baritones. Available at cdbaby.com, iTunes. Hot track: "Side Pipe."

6. Michelle Pappas, untitled. Pappas' pure country-rock voice sings catchy compositions reminiscent of early Sheryl Crow on this four-song CD, available only at shows. Check Pappas' schedule on reverbnation.com or facebook.com. Hot tracks: "He Was Made of Light," "Never Leave My Side."

5. Nothing Like a Dame, "Nothing Like a Dame." Canary-voiced Lacey Mattison proved songwriting chops on solo recordings but with four hot players behind her, exuberant sensuality takes hold. A half-dozen spirited pop-rock-folk-jazz songs (all but one by Mattison, the other by bassist/singer Gia Torcaso), range from hormone-tickling to sweetly seducing. Available on iTunes. Hot track: "All Afternoon."


4. Buster Blue, "When the Silver's Gone." The college-circuit sextet, led by Bryan Jones' warm, pitch-perfect tenor, mixes in everything from accordion to banjo, baritone sax, piano, chains and bucket. BB's pre-rock folk is rooted in 150 years of Americana. Thirteen of the 14 tracks were recorded at Piper's Opera House in Virginia City -- underscoring a desperate loneliness. Available at Discology, discology.ecrater.com, cdbaby.com, iTunes. Hot track: "The Worst Thing."

3. Whitney Myer Band, "Dream Killer." The smooth, energetic Whitney, 23, has a star-quality contralto; her veteran band pumps out grooving beats from pop-soul to blues to funk, proving as infectious on disc as on stage. Available at cdbaby.com, iTunes. Hot tracks: "Bam," "Snow."


2. Kate Cotter, "Drink the Desert." The third album from this mellow mezzo-soprano/folk guitarist delivers finely crafted, lyrically deep songs. Meditative melodies flow mellifluously, buoyed by lush orchestral production. Available at Discology, discology.ecrater.com, cdbaby.com, iTunes. Hot tracks: "Tulip Song," "Siren."

1. Eric Andersen, "Plane Rides & Ocean Tides." The shockingly good 23-year-old may be the next Billy Joel. Each of the 11 tracks on this debut, with a full ensemble backing the pianist, is adult-contemporary hit material. Available at Discology in Reno or online at discology.ecrater.com, cdbaby.com, iTunes. Hot tracks: "Lost for Words," "Bleedin.'"

Mike Sion is a freelance writer and former RGJ music columnist. - Reno-Gazette Journal


Discography

-- EP titled Nothing Like a Dame, released July 2010
Tracks from this EP can be heard on iTunes or here

Photos

Bio

Fronted by two female singer/songwriters, this five-piece band from Reno, Nevada mixes a unique blend of pop rock with hints of blues, folk, jazz, funk, and reggae. Pop speaks to the catchiness and positive energy felt throughout the music, and rock best captures the hooks and aggressive guitar riffs. Poignant, storytelling lyrics on songs like "All Afternoon" allude to the acoustic-folk pasts of songwriters Mattison and Torcaso, while songs such as “Microscope” and "Cherry Heart" reveal members’ former involvement with blues and jazz.

In early 2010, Nothing Like a Dame broke into the local Reno music scene with the release of their self-titled EP. Since then, they’ve graced many popular Reno events, including opening for Maria Muldaur at the 15th Annual Rollin’ on the River Music Series and the 14th Annual Gay Pride Festival.

"Nothing Like a Dame’s formidable live sets are raucous, amped up, booty shaking affairs." - Reno Tahoe Tonight

Nothing Like a Dame is currently working on a full length CD while performing regularly in the Reno-Tahoe area.