I’ve never been one who was ahead of the curve. I don’t claim to know any secrets. I really don’t pay much attention to trends or try to be in the know. I could claim it’s my uniqe vision that determines what lands on my radar, but it’s more likely narcissism than anything else. I’ve done a pretty good job the last year of ignoring the Memphis music scene, but if I had been paying attention, I might have realized that what’s been going on here is pretty special. I was a fool.

When you spend 5 years seeing shows at Irving Plaza, Mercury Lounge and North 6, you can get a little jaded. I guess I thought Why should I bother with local bands? Man, was I wrong! I’ve only seen a few shows this year, but there is a definite difference between the musicians that I’ve seen here and the ones that play in NYC. When I watched Harlan T. Bobo play Monday night at The Hi-Tone I felt like he was giving me something instead of wanting something from me, and I was inspired. What else have I been missing?

Often compared to Nick Cave and Tom Waits, when he sings, it’s like getting a glimpse inside his tired, love-soaked soul. These are songs not written to gain time on a playlist, but to validate his experiences, experiences that we all share. The stories are different, but the feelings are the same. The first few songs Bobo played were accompanied by cellist Jonathan Kirkscey and string bassist Chang Lee. From the opening notes of Only Love, I was enthralled with his tale of melloncholly. As the evening continued, more musicians were added including The Reigning Sound’s Jeremy Scott, drummer Paul Buchignani and organist Andy Grooms. The room was a veritable who’s who of Memphis musicians including Nick Ray of Viva l’American Deathray Music, Cory Branan and a heckling Brian Venable of Lucero. In other words, hipster heaven.

But don’t let that scare you away. If you live in Memphis and don’t drop by the Hi-Tone to catch Harlan (He’s playing next Monday December 27th) because you’re initimidated by the mid-town scenester vibe, well, then the terrorists have won. I know you have a cousin in town that you are expected to entertain, but you have no idea where to take him or her. This is the spot.

As I said, I’m not telling you anything that anyone who’s been paying attention doesn’t already know. Bobo’s album Too Much Love was named by The Memphis Flyer The Record of the Year last week. It’s a gravelly road through an obsessive relationship. Here’s the original review. The first 600 handmade copies sold out, but it’s currently back in stock. Unfortunately, you’ve missed out on the one-of-a kind covers Bobo was making, increased demand has forced him to fall to the hand of mass marketing. (Although, my CD did come with a cute note inside apologizing for the xeroxed artwork). You can also pick up the album from one his live shows at The Hi-Tone and The Glass Onion. I’ll see you there.

BONUS TRACK: Stop

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