Tequila Mockingbird's latest CD, "Luck and Trouble."
Friday evening at the Toad Tavern, veteran Denver roots-rock band Tequila Mockingbird headlined a show of local bands.
Losing Juliet kicked things off around 8:00, and warmed up the crowd with their old-school brand of rock & roll, after which rockabilly underachievers Trailer Park Playboys took the stage. Their music was great, but TPP seem to base their entire band persona on celebrating all things tacky, dirty and offensive. If I'd been a girl, I'd have slapped them.
Next on the bill were Goldie and the Bears, who changed the tone completely with their neo-soul and blues vibe. Goldie's vocal chops fluctuate between smoky and stratospheric, sometimes within moments, underlaid by solid guitar work and a powerful drum/bass combo. A great set overall.
Tequila Mockingbird took the stage around 11:30, playing a set of solid roots-rock. To watch them play for the first time, you couldn't have guessed frontwoman/singer/songwriter Wendy Clark helped found this band over a decade ago. Her stage presence seemed a bit tentative, humble, even vulnerable at times. Even so, this was an endearing trait more than a distracting one, because it sent a message that this band doesn't take their audience for granted. The songs were well-written and well-played by bandmates who work as a team and seem quite comfortable with one another.
The only unfortunate factor was that Tequila Mockingbird's set began rather late--the result of four bands setting up and tearing down completely over the evening. Much of the crowd had dissipated before the headliners started. However, for the loyal ones who stayed on to listen, the band delivered. They've worked hard to earn their following, and it showed Friday night.
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