TUES 8/12: Too Much Good Music

Wow. Tonight is like a crazy International Pop Overthrow night or SXSW on qualudes... There are two shows to hear some amazing power-pop. Several solo projects from various envelope-pushing bands are playing together in a less loud/noisy setting at a free show. On top of that, there's going to be a jam session of young jazz musicians that will likely blow your mind. Good luck, music-lovers.

I'm being brief in order to "catch up" after my vacation...

PS: I went to the Redbones website today, and there's a coupon for tonight (free app w/ combo plate) and 8/26 (1 free rib).

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TUES 8/12

9:30pm
Bodies of Water, Port O'Brien, Emeen Z
at Middle East - Upstairs, 472 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
$9 / 18+

It was difficult listening to Bodies of Water at first, because it was so bright and sunny (dare I say, "Beach Boys inspired"). I couldn't help but keep on listening, and I let every song on their MySpace page. Then I went to their site and downloaded their version of REM's "Everybody Hurts". Boy, they really got me. I can see why they've got a buzz going. Another California band Port O'Brien is also playing and getting quite abit of deserved attention for the folkish pop. Emeen Z of The Sterns gets even more tuneful on his solo project.

TUES 8/ 12

9:30pm
You Can Be A Wesley, The Toothaches, Wonderful Spells, Audrey Ryan
at Great Scott, 1222 Comm Ave, Allston
$9 / 18+

For some reason I didn't discover, this is last local show for You Can Be A Wesley until next year. Actually, I think they're my least favorite group on this bill. Audrey Ryan could hold your attention with just her voice and an accordion, but you'll probably get much more than that. The Toothaches and Wonderful Spells kick butt, period.

TUES 8/12

9:30pm
Ryan Walsh, Brutal Love Masters, Beautiful Weekend
at Middle East - Corner, 480 Mass Ave, Cambridge (Central Sq)
FREE

Ryan Walsh is the main dude in the super-awesome, should-be-in-everyone's-iPod Hallelujah the Hills. Honestly I'd sit through crappy bands to hear him or HtH, but the two other musical endeavors sound pretty good on brief listen. Both are male-female duos who usually "rock out with their respective bits out" (bands like Big Bear, Ho-Ag, Guillermo Sexo) but everyone's going to be a little mellow tonight. Should be delightful.

TUES 8/ 12

9pm
"Tim Mayer's Five Week Jam"
at Ryles Jazz Club, 212 Hampshire St, Cambridge (Inman Sq)
FREE

Berklee offers an intense 5-week summer program for young players from all over the world. Saxophonist and instructor Tim Mayer is going to lead his 'advanced instrumental jazz ensemble' (Daniel Rotem - tenor sax, Steven Feifke - piano, Charlie Rosen - bass, Isaac Haselkorn - drums) in a monster jam. Mayer told me, "They are impressive musicians at a very young age. The material I have presented them is material that I find challenging myself, and they pull it off quite nicely."

Many of the other super-kids from Berklee's 5-Week Summer performance program will show up. Not only will the level of musicianship be high, but there's probably going to be a great energy in the room.