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Deedles at The Mousetrap PDF Print E-mail
Written by John Abbott   
Friday, 05 February 2010 19:47

 

Kansas rock band Deedles on stage at the Mousetrap in Eau Claire Wisconsin Feb 2010

It was an evening of firsts.  I feel somewhat ashamed admitting this, music fan that I am, but this was the first time I have ever been into the Mousetrap.  It is a great venue for music!  I really like the layout, where the people who want to sit at the bar, are away from the people who are there for the music.  The Mousetrap, with its combined storefronts allow this ability.


It was also my first time to see this band.  And, Deedles, on tour from their home in Kansas is an interesting band.  Sometime back they visited the Mousetrap somewhat regularly as the band DeWayn Brothers, a more traditional bluegrass band. Their sound now, I want to call it sort of, country/bluegrass meets punk rock.  I really liked it.   Vocals from lead singer Jamie Briggeman were crystal clear, perfectly on key, and flawlessly timed.  On top of it, where many musicians play their music and sing, Briggeman adds facial expressions.  When she is singing, you find yourself there for her.

Garrett Briggeman lead guitar in Deedles at the Mousetrap Feb 2010
Garrett Briggeman lead guitar of Deedles at the Mousetrap in Eau Claire

I hate to draw movie parallels for two of my reviews in a row.  My last review contained references to Almost Famous.  This week, it is another of my favorite movies, Prey for Rock and Roll.  I don't really know if Jamie Briggeman is the same bitter-rock-chick-in-a-band the movie portrays.   It was because of the lightly punk influenced sound of the band and powerful female lead vocals.   I was waiting for Deedles to break into the song Ms Tweek, from the movie's fictional band, the Clam Dandys.  Something about them had that very same sound.  It never happened, but I think it easily could have.

The Deedles were also really entertainers as well as musicians.  Its not just about the music when you see Deedles perform.  They connect with the audience.  They are having a good time, and the audience can't help but join them.  It is great to see a bass player with some life and Adam "Tarzano" Smith, has lots of life.  Bouncing around and looking like he is having a grand time.  Garrett Briggeman, on lead guitar, and husband to Jamie, lead singer,  seemed very capable to do the wailing guitar solos.  The originals the band performs are from the singer songwriter team of husband and wife.

viewVideo

 

Deedles and their country punk style

Deedles singing one of their award winning originals
Leiah Webb sings Very Happy

Leiah Webb at the Mousetrap in Eau Claire Feb 2010
Leiah Webb at the Mousetrap in Eau Claire Feb 2010
Opening for Deedles was local artist Leiah Webb.  Back a year ago when I first saw Leiah I had thought about how interesting it would be to see her in this type of environment.  In a barroom, well amplified, well lit, and willing to really cut loose.  I was very well rewarded for my wait.  Leiah plays at the Mousetrap often, so I think her comfort level was high.  She was truly outstanding, the best I had ever seen her.  Musical high point for me, its interesting because I really have two.  Her opening and closing numbers.  And, they are from two opposite ends of the Leiah style-spectrum.   The first, an original song, Top Hat Man.  Which emphasizes the her influence of the Alanis Morissette/Ani DeFranco sound.  Where she is kind of bouncing her voice around, harmony to discord.  The second style, more of sultry blues, she did the John Prine song Angels From Montgomery.  I liked them both a lot, and everything in-between those songs, only a little less!

The Deedles with special guest Leiah Webb are playing again tonight, Friday night at the Mousetrap.  Show starts at 10pm.  Honestly, if I had babysitting, I would be back there again.  I highly recommend it.

Deedles web pages are at:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Deedles/124212351870
http://www.myspace.com/thedeedles
http://www.thedeedlesband.com/

Leiah Webb's MySpace page is at: http://www.myspace.com/leiahwebb

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Last Updated on Thursday, 18 February 2010 08:09