At LocalBozo.com, we travel New York City from borough to borough bringing our readers the best in live music coverage, from shows at the Barclays Center and Forest Hills Stadium to Irving Plaza and Terminal 5. But we also like to expose you to some artists that you probably haven’t heard from- perhaps some up and comers on the Indie scene. And here now, is our latest entry into LocalBozo.com’s “Indie Music Spotlight.”

The Jane Shermans

A LocalBozo.com Concert Review
Mercury Lounge, New York, NY
July 21, 2014

Positioned in front of a three person horns section and three black wig donning backing singers, Nashville Tennessee duo The Jane Shermans took to the diminutive Mercury Lounge on Monday night for a brief but effective forty-five minute set. The pair, comprised of producer and songwriter Angelo Petraglia and sultry blonde bass player Eulene Sherman, dazzled the sizable crowd with nine originally penned tracks that showcased a multitude of musical inspirations that combined equal parts blues and rock.

As the band’s lead guitarist, the Bronx born Petraglia is no stranger to the live music scene, having served as a key component to the rapid ascension of Kings of Leon as producer and songwriter, among other high profile country artists. His southern roots shone through in flashes throughout Monday evening’s show although it was Sherman who mostly stole the focus of the performance. Outfitted in a tanktop and a short flowing skirt, the toned leggy songstress paced much of the show in scintillating fashion- harmonizing with both her partner and backing singers often but with strong enough vocals to sufficiently hold her own.

Much of the show was nicely fast-paced as Sherman’s funky basslines intertwined with Petraglia’s guitar twangs before breaking down into a full-on rock solo. The defiant “I Walk Alone” was particularly bluesy, led by Sherman’s dancing fingers laying down the song’s backbone. The even more upbeat “Shotgun” illustrated the band’s more country side, punctuated by Petraglia’s foot-stomping riff breakdown that highlighted the catchy song which seemed to resonate with the live crowd.

Set closer “Young & Hungry” was probably the show’s highest point considering the standing ovation that The Jane Shermans had received when they concluded. But in reality, the short set didn’t allow the band to show much in the way of weakness. And encore song “Here Comes the Gun” have the audience one last run with The Jane Shermans, who have yet to release a record and have less than a handful of shows lined up through September at this point. Judging by the reaction bestowed upon the band from the New York City faithful on this night, we can only hope that there’s more in the works as this year rolls on. Kings of Leon producer or not, The Jane Shermans don’t need to stand in anyone’s shadow.

You can find out more about The Jane Shermans and listen to their single “Shotgun” right now at thejaneshermans.com.

- Dave Gendelson