So this past Monday I went to The Delancey for the first time since my big Broke Ass Stuart Book Launch party over a year ago! I guess they figured out how to actually host live music upstairs and introduced a new weekly music series called The Small Beast.  I don’t really consider The Delancey to be a go-to music venue to check out the best new live acts but was pleasantly surprised in Monday’s performances.  Every musical act was so talented – if I was a record label I would’ve signed these peeps on the spot.  Oh, and if you tell the bartender your unemployed, you get a free shot… just sayin’.

First up was Yula Be’eri and the Extended Family.  Yula is part folky, part sexy, and an all around talented artist; she sings and plays the piano, bass and guitar. A popular Israeli musician, Be’eri is best known for her involvement in World Inferno Friendship Society, Star Fucking Hipsters, and NaNunchka and just recently completed a  month long residency at The Knitting Factory.  Beyond Race Magazine reviewed her performances and said, “From the moment she steps onto the stage, oozing intensity and barefooted, it becomes clear, that at the very least, she won’t be boring. Yula opened with a few soulful, melodic songs that proved her extraordinary vocal talent and song-writing craftsmanship. The intertwining of a bass, played by Yula, and an accompanying trombonist, produced rich, layered sounds. As the set progressed, she switched to the keyboard, and at various points, was joined by musicians on the drums and synthesizer. Yula’s theatrical flair brings her more cabaret-infused songs to life. Her grandiose gestures and eccentric, self-assured, movements exude a charismatic, edgy aura. Towards the end of her set, after on turning a black light and smearing glowing body paint on her face, Yula transitioned into an experimental-electronic, “mini-soundtrack.” I couldn’t have said it better myself!   Although her set was only about 20 minutes long and she was  accompanied by just a drummer, Isaac Gardner formerly of the Blue Man Group– it was clear the girl could sing and was truly a one-of-a-kind.  You can check her music and up coming tour dates out here: http://www.myspace.com/yulabeeri

Next up was Smoota.  Ohhhh where to begin.  Jonathan Goldman of Gigmaven really described it best when he saw Smoota’s first performance at Union Hall last week.  Pronadellic Soul is right. “Smoota is the dirty psychedelic soul alter-ego of local semi-legend Dave Smith, a much in-demand trombonist known for his work with Burnt Sugar, the Red Baraat Festival, Chin Chin, the Reverend Vince Anderson, amongst others.  Two years ago, alone in his bedroom, Smith (Smoota) recorded Fetishes, a suite of raunchy, unironic, unapologetic songs about sex and idiosyncratic desire.”  Smoota is now a foursome with Kevin Blackler on Keyboard, my good friend Mike ‘MiWi’ Williams on Bass Guitar and Evan Howard on the coolest, most baddest instrument I have ever seen, the Electro Drums.  While Smith is not the best singer in the world, it doesn’t even matter.  The lyrics are just as ridiculous as they are catchy, yet almost poetic in a way with repeating hooks and melodies.  You only need hear their songs once and you will know all the words, hence why half of the crowd was singing along.    I definitely foresee this act becoming bigger, more theatrical, and vulgar as time goes on *They would be a perfect fit for The Box.* Smith opened up his act last night… wearing a straight up 70′s style brown suit with an orange ruffled shirt, mind you *the same exact outfit my Dad’s groomsmen wore for his wedding*… groaning “Pink Braaaaa Playing Guitarrrrrr” -  A song about a hot, blond, sweaty, guitar player smoking a cig.  Each song is so sexy (instrumentals), yet weird (lyrics) at the same time…you almost feel wrong for digging it so much.  I guess that’s the attraction.   You can check out Smoota here: http://www.myspace.com/smoota.

The show ended with country-blues singer, Greg Garing.  Man oh man can this guy sing -  you can feel it down in your soul – goosebumps.   According to his website bio, Garing has been a Nashville insider legend for a long time – I am not sure how he is not already famous- he should be.   Garing takes the stage with just a guitar in hand, one which he plays so fast his hands are just a blur, belting heartfelt lyrics.  As soon as he opened his mouth, my friend and I looked at each other with raised eyebrows, almost speechless.   While I am not a huge country/bluegrass fan, I do appreciate a good Rhythm and Blues every no wand again. I felt southern just listening to him!   Garing is the only performer of the night who will maintain a residency at The Delancey so you can check him out online: http://www.myspace.com/greggaring and every Monday night for the rest of the month.

The Small Beast Musical Series
Monday Nights at The Delancey
168 Delancey St [LES]