Greenville Scene

by: Michelle Hannon

O-cha Tea Bar is scheduled to close its doors on May 31st; however, in lieu of last night’s show I sure hope that doesn’t happen. In the back of the tea bar is a small space with couches where the musicians perform. Jordan Teague and Jonathan Edwards attracted about forty people into that small space last night, giving the best performance I’ve seen from either. The crowd was friendly and relaxed, due in part to the fact that the musicians showed none of the pretension that often accompanies shows these days.

The show began with the gritty, bluesy, rock/americana of Jonathan Edwards. The first thing I noticed was that Jonathan’s guitar playing skills have improved greatly since I saw him at an open mic night a few years ago. Since that time he has also developed his vocal style, which tends toward a blues/rock fusion evocative of Muddy Waters. Following Jonathan’s performance, Jordan joined him on-stage for Bob Dylan and Johnny Cash covers. I couldn’t help but think of Johnny and June as Jonathan and Jordan sang Ring of Fire together.

Jordan, accompanied by Jonathan’s electric guitar, performed a few of her originals which sounded more blues-like than usual because of the telecaster. I was quite impressed at Edwards’ ability to add meaningful parts to Jordan’s somewhat complicated arrangements. Jordan’s cool, calm manner juxtaposed by her intense strumming, was interrupted only by a few moments of foot-stomping, guitar-jerking rock. She continues to impress me with her guitar playing, her sense of timing, and her songwriting abilities. I also have to mention that she covered Wonderwall by Oasis and Brick by Ben Folds Five. Though Wonderwall is a popular cover song, Jordan added a bit of her own style which made it an interesting listen and sing-a-long.

Jonathan and Jordan enhanced each other’s performance so much so that I hope to see them together again in the future. Jonathan Edwards’ first EP Three Color Wardrobe comes out at the end of May. You may purchase Jordan Teague’s album Portrait of A Paradox on her website.

www.jordanteague.com
www.myspace.com/jordanteague
www.myspace.com/threecolorwardrobe