Junior League Band @ Rock N Roll Hotel WDC 7/16

Writer/Photographer: Brooks Hays

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel is located in the dare I say “hip” up and coming neighborhood often referred to as “H Street” and formerly known as the “Atlas District.” The venue is a more rough and tumble version of the Black Cat, with a rowdier clientele, limited standing room, and less bar space to track down a drink. When you do manage to lure a bartender over to your smidgen of claimed wood, he only charges you four dollars when you order a 22 oz. PBR. Like DC9, it’s rather easy to slither you’re way to the very front of the crowd, a short flip of sweat and slobber away from the lead singer. But in the case of The Junior League, that lead singer is a foxy Southern belle with mean banjo skills. Unfortunately Lissy Rosemont’s love shakin’ curves are spoken for, as she mentioned her fiance during some inter-song babble. But listeners can still close their eyes, savor her uniquely throaty and seductive vocals, flavored with a sweet Southern drawl and the smell of whiskey, and let one’s imaginations run wild. The Junior League’s sound is hard to pin down, but it’s clear that much of it is intended for a crowd willing to drink heavily and dance, preferable progressive line dancing and intermittent high kicks. The primary concoction here is a dynamic combination of country, blue grass, and rock ‘n’ roll. It’s mixed with a down-home sensibility and packaged for a swanky saloon or smoky New Orleans piano bar. The Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel sufficed for the night. The setlist consisted of mostly samplings from the group’s newest record *Jelly Roll*, but was seasoned with some of Rosemont’s oldest material, as well as a well-executed Muddy Water’s cover, and a rousing rendition of The Beatles’ “I’ve Got A Feeling” (also found on their recent release). While I wasn’t lubricated enough to risk the safety of my camera and let loose on the dance floor, nor familiar enough with The Junior Leagues repertoire to sing along, I’m always game for a good ole fashioned honky-tonk alt-country show, and the Junior League delivered. What I liked most about the Junior League was their ability to deftly negotiate the use and mix of, as well as transitioning among, so many different genres, from blue grass to folk to country to rock, to even jazz and the Delta blues. The group held the stage with obvious delight, smiling and laughing through the entirety of their set. Lead guitarist John Lee ripped solo after solo, and proceeded to brush off his shoulders like it ain’t no thang. All of the members of the band play in at least one other group, making it quite difficult for them to tour. But let’s hope they work out the logistics and hit another DC stage soon. I want to be there again before these guys make it to the majors.

Set List
Don’t Be A Stranger
Jelly Roll
Too Far
Brother
S.C. Blues
The Best Is Yet
A Curious Thing
L.A. Blues
Charm
Falling For You
Waiting For Your Love
My Demon Is Bigger Than Yours
So I Went Out
I’ve Got A Feeling

How Long