Ayla Brook @ NXNE 2009

Hometown: Edmonton, AB

Background/Composition:
The lead singer/songwriter for AA Soundsystem was in town sans band; he joked they got lost along the way. As his set showed, he would have benefited from having the Air Miles to bring them along.

Grade: 77

Comment:
Unfortunately for Brook, he had the opening slot at a sparse Cadillac Lounge. He made the most of his short set in front of a half-dozen people, some of whom showed more interest when iTunes was playing classic rock between showcases.

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
Pronunciation: G
Stage Presence: S
Stage Banter: S
Image: G
Appearance: S
Use of Stage: S

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Brooks raised his pint and shouted cheers, but unfortunately the songslinger would have got a better response at a karaoke bar. His sound was crisp and songs were interesting lyrically — mostly stories of small town Alberta - but a rocking chair sitting on a porch on a breezy day would have more movement than he did. He even mocked himself at one point, saying "I need to tune my guitar, usually this is when I would tell you a story, but I'm just going to tune it quick."

Musical Analysis
Level of Participation: G
Problem Solving: S
Teamwork: S
Work Habits: G
Organization: G
Audience Participation: N
Sound: G
Composition: G
Songs: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Backed by just voice and electric guitar, Brook looked a little lost at times without his band. He tried to engage the sparse crowd, beginning with a joke about Edmonton. With a bourbon-soaked voice that echoed Townes Van Zandt, Brook's baritone and storied songs were enough to keep audience engaged. Brook should stick to fronting AA Soundsystem, as his set showed he's not ideally suited for solo performances.

Other Skills and Areas of Interest:
Charisma: S
Problem Solving: G
Teamwork: G
Sexiness: S
Haircut: N
Indie Rock Footwear: S
Nods to Disposible Fashion: S
Cool Equipment: S
Level of Inebriation: N
Actual Ability: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Armed with a white electric Fender, Brooks' performance was good, but bland like a piece of dry toast. The potential was there, but it needed a little honey to make the performance stick.