Rebekah Higgs @ NXNE 2008

BACKGROUND/COMPOSITION: Rebekah Higgs is a 20-something East Coast darling who released a self-titled sophomore album in 2006. She provided a dreamlike and comfortable presence with an old movies type voice.

Grade: 88

Comment: Higgs made this set a matter of friends as she assembled one hell of a Canadian collective with help from Laura Barrett, Paul Aucoin of Hylozoists and others. A total of eight musicians accompanied her on stage. Higgs proved she was a classy girl and seemed cool, calm and collected.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Her backing band and heap of friends pushed Higgs and she pushed that energy right back, which gave her a strong stage presence. They filled the Horseshoe stage and looked completely at home.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Besides the usual instruments, Higgs found a way to pack a vibraphone, trumpet, and violin in with the other instruments. This made her sound even bigger and better. Higgs occasionally distorted her voice into a machine, but it was interesting to watch her as she did it. She let go just a little more steam each time (or perhaps it was that she was wearing heals and a thick jean dress in the Horseshoe's heat). But the well-coordinated band proved they had good chemistry.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The band look good and play well together and their charisma was unmistakable. Higgs and crew were in their element even though Higgs seemed uncomfortable with the Toronto heat. “I’m bringing back the jean dress,” she said to the crowd towards the end of the set. “I’m bringing back the country!”