Michael Rault @ NXNE 2009

Background/ Composition:
This baby-faced solo player delivered the blues with every ounce of feeling his skinny soul could muster.

Grade: 81

Comment:
Are they shooting a prequel to Backbeat? With his mop-top hair and classic rockabilly blues tunes, Michael Rault reminded me of a 15 year old John Lennon cutting his teeth on "Long Tall Sally" in some Liverpool dive. He may look like a whelp, but the youngster knew how to punch above his weight with some real guitar chops and ambitious original songs.

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: G

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Skinny white Rault tried his best to rasp, but he couldn't escape his natural whine. Don't give up on him, though. His voice will change as soon as he starts noticing hair where there was no hair before.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Somebody get this kid a band! With only his acoustic guitar and some ankle chimes for stompin', Rault nailed his retro tunes like he was born in the '50s instead of the '80s. With an equally talented band, he'd really turn heads and shake rumps.

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

Strengths/Weaknesses/Next Step:
Don't tell the cops about this report card. It might be illegal to grade Rault on sexiness. That's my last age joke. This guy is actually 20, but he sure looks like he'd get IDed at the Transformers movie. OK, that was my last age joke.