Nick Strange Trio

continued

Orcutt introduced Jessica, and they played "Highway 441," a long, moody piece from the band's upcoming album. It's a good jam session, and Schreiber played a little military march. Jessica, who was wearing her thick black hair in a short, sly coif, subtly shook her huge black hoop earrings and easily filled the house with her voice, while the trio jammed behind her. She seemed to be having a great time.

"Someday I'll quit playing this homemade crap and buy a real guitar," Orcutt told us, but I can't imagine why; his guitar plays smooth, like his voice. Why ruin a good thing? After another song, the band picked up the pace a bit and allowed Schreiber to let loose a little.

During the break, before the crowd started yelling "Bring back the girl," I ran into Jessica in the bathroom. She looked fabulous and had no pretentious diva complex. Get this — she's an industrial systems engineer by day. No wonder she looks as if she's having so much fun onstage.

The Nick Strange Trio is at Goodnite Gracie on Thursday, May 3, and Saturday, May 26.

[Review published May 2007]