Blackie Jackett Jr. @ CMW 2009

Tattoo Rock Parlour

Toronto

on Mar 13 2009

Steve McLean (CHARTattack)

03/14/2009 12:50pm

Background / Composition:
This was the debut gig for a country outfit fronted by Finger Eleven's James Black on acoustic guitar and vocals, with his F11 bandmate Rick Jackett beside him on banjo. The rest of the group is filled out by another guitarist, bassist, drummer, a female vocalist whom Black referred to as Sandra D and a male backing vocalist who I know as Scott. He's the guy who serves me pints of St. Ambroise Oatmeal Stout at Toronto's Brazen Head Irish Pub.

Grade: 84

Comment:
I'm not a Finger Eleven fan, but reading Black's description of his new band's music piqued my curiosity. I was happily surprised by what I heard. Blackie Jackett Jr. play traditional country music and lots of songs about women, drugs and drinking. By the way, why do country singers only drink whiskey and beer, or at least only sing about those two beverages? Off the top of my head, I can't think of a country song where the protagonist imbibes vodka. Sandra D duetted with Black on a couple of songs, which was a nice touch.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
While everyone else stayed quiet beyond singing or playing their instrument, Black was quite genial and addressed the audience between every song. When he asked everyone in the room for a couple of "Fuck me" responses, he got them. He also got the audience clapping along to a song that was probably called "Fuck Me."

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
If you were looking for songs with a diverse range of lyrics or big political messages, you weren't going to find them here. But if numbers about booze and broads were up your alley, you were in the right place. If you were a guy with bad hair, you were also in the right place. A couple of hotties from Axe Hair Crisis Relief were wandering around the club interviewing candidates on camera for Heavy.com. Since I look so sharp, I wasn't approached.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
There were quite a few music and broadcast industry people in the crowd to see Black wearing a cowboy shirt, sunglasses and no cowboy hat to hide his semi-mohawk. The rest of the band were dressed pretty non-descriptly. I wasn't impressed by the overflowing urinals in the men's room, but I was with Blackie Jackett Jr. A band I like connected with Wind-Up Records: what a unique concept.