Derek Miller @ CMW 2006

Hometown: Toronto, ON

Background/Composition: Blazing, dirty blues-rock by a talented three-piece outfit.

Grade: 92

Comment: Makes the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion sound wussy.

Achievement of Rock 'n' Roll Expectations
80-100: Exceeds skill and knowledge expectations, i.e. rocked us so hard we peed our pants.
70-79: Achieves required skills and knowledge. Meets rock 'n' roll standard.
60-69: Demonstrates some skills. Approaches rock 'n' roll standard.
50-59: Demonstrates some required skills and knowledge in a limited way.
00-50: Has not demonstrated required skills or knowledge.

Learning Skills: E=Excellent, G=Good, S=Satisfactory, N=Sad Really

Oral And Visual Communication
Eye Contact: E
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: E
Stage Banter: E
Image: E
Appearance: E
Use Of Stage: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: Miller is a seasoned performer and it showed in his easy manner on stage. He bantered with the crowd like they were hanging out and getting wasted in his living room.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: E
Sound: E
Composition: E
Songs: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: The set opened up with a long instrumental blues jam. Then Miller cranked things up when he started to sing. He's got that whiskey-and-cigarettes vocal style, and the songs are meaty, gritty and grrrrrrr. The bass player and drummer were both great musicians, but Miller was definitely the star.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: E
Indie Rock Footwear: G
Nods To Disposible Fashion: G
Cool Equipment: E
Level Of Inebriation: E
Actual Ability: E
Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step: He's won a Juno and the Village Voice loves him. Go check out this raw Canadian gem.