TORI SPARKS, THE SUGAR THIEVES
CLUB CONGRESS
Sunday, Nov. 22
Tori Sparks is a combination of Ani DiFranco steeped in Nashville
and the Cowboy Junkies’ Margo Timmins hopped up on Red Bull.
Stepping onto the stage for the first time in Tucson, she intimated,
“Some people leave when they see one female with a guitar on stage, so
thanks for sticking around.” She broke into “Cold War” using percussive
thumps on her acoustic guitar, intermittently mixed in with her
expressive strumming and picking. When her voice reached the low end of
her range, she physically sank down for emphasis. She was sassy,
confident and a wee bit fidgety, a card-carrying member of the
feigning-self-deprecation club.
Sparks’ songwriting, punctuated by her come-hither hair flips,
proved to be a delicious mix. Her lyrics delve into her past, but
instead of wading in regret, she is unapologetic and makes it clear
that mistakes won’t be repeated. Tori didn’t need a backing band; her
witty banter and engaging storytelling—such as her detailed
account of an almost-doomed gig in New York City, and a song about a
session singer from Memphis taking a stand against an oppressive
spouse—made for a wonderful performance.
On the other hand, the Sugar Thieves shook Congress like it was a
snow globe. This six-piece blues roots band from Phoenix (yes,
Phoenix!) has a winning formula: Everyone is exceedingly gifted on
their respective instruments; they vary their sound and style; and
everyone manages to play a kick-ass solo. It was nearly impossible to
sit still.
Co-founding member Mikel Lander sang in a gritty Tom Waits-ish
manner and packed a wallop on the slide guitar. Shea Marshall showed
off his dexterity on the keyboard and played unforgettable, blistering
sax riffs. The rhythm section, consisting of Ray Thiry on the upright
bass and David Libman on drums, solidly anchored the band’s sound.
Then there’s Meridith Moore on vocals. All I have written in my
notes about her voice is, “Holy shit!” To elaborate, it’s soaked with
gospel roots and held fast by a soulful backbone. She’s astounding. The
Sugar Thieves covered several artists remarkably well, including Robert
Johnson, the Shelton Brothers, and Merle Travis, putting their unique
twist on some old classics. When they return, it won’t be a moment too
soon.
This article appears in Nov 26 – Dec 2, 2009.
