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Vol. 1 No. 2 (May 1, 2003) |
An unofficial newsletter for fans of the rock group BETTER THAN EZRA |
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FROM THE EDITOR'S DESK Welcome to the second edition of the STREET SERENADE. This edition contains several outstanding reader contributions. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to submit articles, reviews, setlists, and artwork. Contributions are encouraged from any and all fans. Please let us know if you would like to contribute to the upcoming July 1st edition. Are You Focused on the BTE Forest and Forgetting the Trees? BTE and their fans are facing some major changes in the coming months. New label, new album, and a new tour. If you were lucky enough to attend a recent show, you probably heard four great new songs – i.e., "Simple Song," "Special," "In a Little While," and "Daylight." We're all chomping at the bit to hear the new CD as soon as possible, aren't we? We can all get a little impatient waiting for the big picture changes, but maybe we are awaiting a change in the forest and are missing the changes in the trees? If you've been to a show lately, maybe you picked up on a few less noticeable changes that are going on with the band and their music. One obvious change in the live show is the flip-side of adding new songs. Namely, some old favorites have to be set aside, at least temporarily. "Rosealia" and "This Time of Year" may be two such songs that are on hiatus. This may disappoint some fans, but no band can please all the fans all the time. No, not even BTE! What are some of these less noticeable changes going on? Well, it appears that "Hollow" is back full-force. It typically surfaces right after "King of New Orleans" (a great musical segue) and includes a new rhythm section solo. Lately, Kevin has been ending "Misunderstood" in falsetto voice as well. "Don’t Tell Me" and "Ms. Jackson"are no longer routinely included in "Extra Ordinary," but Jim Payne has been doing occasional solos during "At the Stars." Then there’s audience participation. Will the new "Daylight" sing-a-long become a regular part of the live show, or will we something more like the "Dance Contest," "Dr. Sample," or "TTOY" introduced? And let’s not forget the new impressions the guys have done. We’ve heard Kevin Griffin doing Robert DeNiro and Dennis Hopper. Jim Payne has wowed us with his Missy Elliott, and Travis finally got a mic so he could dazzle us with his impression of Tom Waits. Am I giving away any secrets here? No. Because you
know that I missed at least half a dozen changes and by the time the
guys roll into your town things will have probably changed again. EnglishDave |
FEATURE STORY: "I went on down to the Audubon Zoo By Ashley (and SERENADE staff). I've been to plenty of Ezra shows, but I think the Friday show has to be up there in the Ezra-hall of a fame for best shows. As some had feared, the Mardi Gras traffic was awful. We barely made it to the concert in time (and it required some creative driving). The Soul Rebels kicked off the show and rocked as usual. They always put on a fine show that combines generous portions of jazz, funk and rock. This is a band that’s definitely worth seeing. When it was time for BTE to hit the stage, we were surprised by a female announcer instead of the expected rooster crowing. The guys then stunned the crowd by coming through the crowd. Kevin, Tom, Travis, Jim, Mark Mullins (of Mulebone and Bonerama) and Eric Lucero formed a mini-parade. They were all decked out in black masks and tuxedos. I've never seen them do that before. A rare treat indeed. Kevin Griffin Gets In the Mardi Gras
Spirit The guys opened the set with "Recognize." The crowd really responded to the changed-up setlist. Kevin was in particularly sexy form. Glitter covered his face and hair. He wore a hot pink button up shirt that was drenched in sweat by the time the night was over. Lo and behold, when Kevin took off his mask, we all saw he had rediscovered eyeliner. Halfway through the show, Travis stripped off his costume which Tom threw into the crowd. KG was shaking his ass like you wouldn't believe. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him in finer form *fans self.* In a typical display of Mardi Gras exuberance, someone was throwing condoms up on the stage. Finally one hit KG's foot. All of a sudden, he picked up 2 of them, held one each in each hand, made a funny face at the audience, and asked: "Who's throwing Trojan condoms up on the stage?? What do you want me to do, pick them up and go YEAHHHHH!!!???" (story continues on page 3).
You'd Better Recognize, Son. |
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