Taylor DiVico
Laura Reed and Deep Pocket-Bamboo Room
Current mood: artistic
Category: Music

An unsuspecting twist of fate landed me in South Florida's Bamboo Room last weekend on what had been an uninspirational day as a whole. The cynical and bored side of me ached to be a critic, but was quickly overridden by an inevitable fervor for a new talent belting out the lyrics to "Happy" one second, and raging a harmonica solo the next.

While I had once before heard her sound at the Dive Bar in Fort Lauderdale, the tour snob in me had to make sure it was true to form, and no fluke, that I hadn't been convoluted by substances, idealism, and whatever else can tango its way into a false pretense. How to say it? I was lured up the stairs by that same sultry, sweet voice as the first time, a true muse for a writer.

Reminiscent of the great female songtresses who have been a part of my eclectic musical journey for many years, Laura Reed symbolizes all that is female and close to the earth. She brings forth a contagious vibe that speaks volumes about a certain strength in humanity through music. Her lively demeanor and larger-than-life command of the stage echo a line from her song "Don't Go," as she truly represents "sugar and spice" in one soul-infusing package.

Laura Reed embraces a serious musicianship with the heart of a true performer, paying tribute to obvious influences, Erykah Badu and being a southern child herself, I have to assume there's a whole lotta' Janis in every raspy, soul-clenching verse. I have no doubt that Laura Reed and Deep Pocket will be a sensation beyond that of the hippie subcultures, where they seem to exist presently. All being delivered through an unpretentious energy that is Laura Reed, their sound transcends genre and reaches out to the masses as a funky, blues anomaly. Doing exactly what amazing music should do, Laura Reed and Deep Pocket set a soundtrack for a better, hipper journey through your days, giving a reason to listen while putting an extra hop in your step. Dig!