The Choice Sign is sitting at the top of this post. That always means there are several competing good choices and tonight there are three shows all of which are excellent choices. Because of the times and locations of these shows, you can only see one.
Over at The Bell House, Puss N Boots (Norah Jones, lead guitar and vocals, Sasha Dobson, rhythm guitar and vocals and Catherine Popper, bass and vocals) play the final show in their three show January residency. Puss N Boots play mostly covers, most of which are country, but not all of which are well known. Some originals from both Norah and Sasha have shown up as well. Last week the band debuted Down By the River with the tasty lead guitar part played by Norah. The Tall Pines open the show.
Once an area resident, Israel Nash Gripka left New York City about two years ago and has been touring, mostly in Europe, since then. Israel’s last two records made the Now I’ve Heard Everything Best Albums list in 2009 and 2011. I’ve described Barn Doors and Concrete Floors, Israel’s last album as sounding as if Neil Young and John Fogerty met in 1971 and formed a band. But don’t let that description make you think that Israel Nash Gripka is anything other than someone who is using a classic sound to create some wonderful brand new guitar band music. Israel is playing at The Studio at Webster Hall.
Singer-songwriter Misty Boyce has been playing with her band (is) boy for the past couple of years. But lately she has written some new songs, and started playing electric guitar along with the piano and keys for which she is well known. If you’ve not seen Misty Boyce before, tonight at Fontana’s, you’ll get to see a top notch song writer and performer. If you are a long time fan of Misty, you’ll get to hear the first steps of her new journey.
Puss N Boots (The Tall Pines open and dancer Minnie Tonka will also appear), The Bell House, 149 7th Street between 2nd and 3rd Avenues, Brooklyn (F or G Trains to 4th Avenue or R Train to 9th Street), doors 8pm / show 8:30pm, $15
Israel Nash Gripka, The Studio at Webster Hall, 125 East 11th Street between 3rd and 4th Avenues (N, Q, 4, 5 or 6 Trains to 14th Street or L Train to 3rd Avenue), 8:45pm, $10
Misty Boyce, Fontana’s, 105 Eldridge Street between Grand and Broome Streets (B or D Trains to Grand Street), 9pm, $7
