Why did I see the Woolies at the Hotel Utah? Well, by Friday I had not heard

back from the other two venues, those deadbeats, so there I was at the Hotel

U. "Do you have a card?" the doorman asked me. "Err no," I replied, as I

have never written an interview for y'all. Nevertheless, his manager let me

in, saying, "Well, umm, o.k. why not." Let's just say it put me in the right

mood to see the Woolies.

The Woolies are a thirties-something band; an accomplished band that have

managed to make themselves unique through sheer simplicity. The harmony of

their music lies in the compelling interaction between the voices of Jeff,

Sara, and Chris. The guys are on guitar, Sara on base. Incidentally, I know

as a reporter I'm supposed to tell you their last names, but I liked the

simplicity in the fact that they only gave me only their first names.

Effective also is the drummer, Bennett; his beats are clear and driven, if

not mystic.

What I like about a mature band like this, is that they are good because

they have worked hard and have a rapport that shows in the maturity of their

music. 'Shine' reminds me a bit of Gregory Vain, and other earnest ballad

types. Like many of their songs, it sports a great melody. There are many

sweet songs, but the best are those which explore the interaction between

the three leads. Something about two men singing with one woman is truly

kinetic. Especially as each of their voices is unusual. 'Time is right' is

thoughtful, heavy on the guitars, which were tight enough to sound good. But

the best part of this tune is that Sara's voice really goes well with the

stress on the guitars. The former is sweet and clear while the latter has

the hard edge of traditional rock. And, after all these garage-mod covers, I

really have to give credit to anyone who does an interesting version of,

"I'm not your Stepping Stone."

This is not a glam band. There are no earth-shattering personas here.

Rather, they are a sort of older bro. and sis band, unpretentious,

well-versed, and entertaining even to the point of my actually liking the

goofy oxford shirt-types on the dance floor. The Woolies are an experienced

band full of possibilities.