Independent Music That Must Be Heard
Until last night, I had never been to Lenny’s Bar. I’d heard about it and knew they had bands perform, but never had a really good reason to go. Cool place to hang out and hear music. The reason for my visit was a very, very good one indeed: Gooding. Interested in hearing a guitar player who can make the Greats eat dirt? And the funny thing is: he wouldn’t want that–he has no ego!
Joined by his incredible drummer Jesse Reichenberger and fantastic bassist Billy Driver, Gooding put on a show worthy of the Tabernacle or even HiFi Buys Amphitheatre. They didn’t care that there were only about 10 people there when the show started. They rocked the place with the energy of 10 bands.
There really are no words to describe the music, or to illustrate the immense and unfathomable talent of Gooding. This guy plays two guitars at once. Perfectly. He whips out impossible riffs while singing. Perfectly. The band members had that musical psychic connection that’s built over time, letting them know exactly what to do and when. Sure–practice makes perfect, but this talent went beyond what you can gain from any amount of rehearsal.
It was great to see people who walked in late to see the following bands, with their cynical expressions. Once they heard what was happening on stage and saw that there were only 3 guys up there making all that beautiful noise, they just stood there mesmerized.
The music is a blend of real rock, shake yo’ ass beats, funk, and even a little touch of jazz–but from another planet. You just have to hear it. Go to the website. Buy their CD (they have several, and they’re all amazing). Go to a show when they’re in town or when you’re traveling. This music will make you want to skydive. Or grab the person next to you and play some tonsil hockey. Maybe you’ll be inspired to climb Mount Everest. All I know is: you’ll be inspired.
Just don’t get too in love with that location because word on the street has it that Lenny’s is moving to new digs in the near future.
Yeah…they’ve got that posted on their website. Good thing too. While the place has its own unique vibe, there are definitely some issues with the current location.
*Gasp*.. issues with the location.. what could that be? Its not Buckhead or Little 5 Pts.. and whats a new wave yuppie to do afterwards? Its WAY too close to poor folk. Outside the Begging Bermuda Triangle! Run! Or walk briskly to my car and head back to Atlantic Station!
I guess this is the final nail in the coffin for the gentrification of the area. First there came the punks, then the hipsters, and finally the yuppies.
R.I.P. Lenny’s.
I can’t speak for Aradia, but I’m not sure those are the “issues” she was talking about. It’s my understanding the Lenny’s is moving just a 1/2 mile down the street, so I doubt that’s much farther away from the “poor folk.” They are getting a larger location with more parking, both of which were issues with their current location (size and parking), IMHO. (and sorry if this post or something similar appears 2x).
isn’t Lemmy’s in the old Dottie’s? Talk about “issues”. I wonder if “issues” ever hung out at Dottie’s.
Lenny’s is in the old Dottie’s. Their lease ran out and developers want to put up lofts where they’re currently located on Memorial Drive. They’re relocating the club to the strip center on Dekalb Ave, just south of the MLK Marta Station, where the old Neutron Bomb (diy punk club) used to be a few years ago. Moving early summer.