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I have a weakness for great female vocals, and Bearkat’s lead singer Katy Pearson is right up my alley, wielding a smooth alto that flows like liqueur over ice.  While I have bandied a few Leslie Feist comparisons around lately (Not a comparison that I make lightly) I feel like it again applies in this case to Pearson’s particular singing style – a slightly poppy, slightly smoky wail that belies tons of soul, yet isn’t overbearing. While Pearson didn’t match Feist in vocal quality on Wednesday, I have a feeling that she could come much closer if her vocal chords were a bit more relaxed. Overall her singing was gorgeous, but she seemed slightly strained over a few of the notes, possibly due to nerves or lack of warming up. I had very little to complain about though, as for the most part she was top notch.  

Nick Sweet - photo by Jon Behm

Pearson is backed by a couple of slightly bashful musicians, both very skilled and capable of switching instruments with ease. Their strongest talent is in the brass, with Nick Sweet and Kyle “Bootz” Butz playing the trombone and trumpet respectively. When combed together with Pearson’s ukulele, the result was often very “Beirut-esque” giving their slower songs a somber funereal tone and their upbeat ones more of a Mardi Gras meets Chan Marshall on prozac feel. Pearson’s lyrics are generally straightforward and to the point, but they are still very effective in creating a beautifully moody atmosphere. Even the somewhat simple refrain of “Call the Doctor” stirred the soul, aided by Pearson’s voice and Butz’s adept banjo plucking (an audience clap-along helped as well).  

Bearkat may still have a ways to go in establishing stage presence and deepening their catalogue.  With the level of talent they have to work with though, I fully expect them to be a success.  Look for them if you are ever in Los Angeles. They will be across town from the slick Hollywood cokeheads, a cab ride away from the dude with a blackberry and pec implants, and nowhere near the poodles dressed up like miniature flamenco dancers. They will be in some corner of that great city where against all odds, some people are managing to make great music.  

 

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More photos from the show