Kevin Hearn, Jenn Grant and Jason Plumb @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
Six Shooter Records' Outlaws & Gunslingers Showcase featured a series of triple-threat rounds, with Blue Rodeo's Glenn Milchem and Bazil Donovan acting as backup band. The evening's second improvised trio consisted of a Barenaked Lady (Hearn), Nova Scotia's favourite new pop songstress (Grant) and a former Walton (Plumb).

Grade: 80

Comment:
These three played a decent set together but came in a distant third in the night's battle of the supergroups. Their smartest moves were the addition of Grant's violinist, Kinley Dowling, and the decision to cover Neil Young's "Only Love Can Break Your Heart."

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: S
Image: G
Appearance: G
Use Of Stage: E

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The trio's chemistry was a little off, if not missing altogether. They were technically sound, but something intangible was absent. None of them were especially willing to step up as lead banterer, so Grant eventually gave it her best shot. She was a little awkward, but the crowd was forgiving.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Plumb's folk-rock numbers dominated the first half of the set, but eventually gave way to Hearn's quirky pop. The highlight of the entire night at Lee's was undoubtedly Hearn's "Map Of The Human Genome." Songs about DNA are sure crowd pleasers.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
The ladies were in dresses and the dudes wore cowboy shirts or button-ups. It was certainly apt attire for the set's atmosphere. Booziness was noticeably absent.