Elizabeth Shepherd Trio @ NXNE 2006

Background/Composition: The Elizabeth Shepherd Trio sounds like a bunch of jazz hooligans robbing Starbucks: they rush in with a bang and then speed out with your biscotti in their mouths.

Grade: 72

Comment: For a Sunday Brunch-style jazz trio, these guys actually rock pretty hard, shaking up their soothing muffin-and-mamosa music with some tight, spirited jamming.

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: S
Pronounciation: E
Stage Presence: G
Stage Banter: G
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: As the night's openers, Shepherd and co. inevitably faced a thin crowd, many of whom were clinging to the Reverb's walls like kids at a middle school dance, looking around coolly and hiding those uncontrollable chubbies under their Trapper Keepers. Nevertheless, Shepherd commanded attention. OK, she asked for it politely, avoiding stage banter and letting her keys and pipes speak for themselves.

Musical Analysis
Level Of Participation: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Work Habits: E
Organization: E
Audience Participation: G
Sound: E
Composition: G
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Musically, these guys was tight muh-fuckers. The speed-walking basslines hugged the piano melody like an overexcited grandmother and at their feet, the drums freaked out like that obnoxious baby cousin who's just shit himself. At least, you hope that smell's coming from the kid.

Other Skills And Areas Of Interest
Charisma: E
Problem Solving: E
Teamwork: E
Sexiness: E
Haircut: G
Indie Rock Footwear: S
Nods To Disposible Fashion: S
Cool Equipment: G
Level Of Inebriation: S
Actual Ability: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/NextStep: Elizabeth Shepherd is one of the best scatters you're gonna see in this town. Granted, for most indie rock fans, that's like saying, "This is some of the most masterful interpretive dance influenced by the War Of 1812 I've seen all week" or "I have never, in all my years, witnessed a prettier unicorn walking down Yonge Street." But who cares? She's freaking good! Ba-diddy-bop-bop-doo-ah! Yeah!