All I could think, during last Saturdays show at The Social (434 S. 2nd St.), was where did they find this kid? Evan Christian, the leader of a great trio, is one of the most versatile guitarists I have ever seen.
Christian's flamboyant guitar work is a mix of Jimi Hendrix and Prince and he has the stage presence to match. He played the guitar with his teeth and was exceptional at playing solos with the guitar behind his head. It would have seemed appropriate for him to burn his guitar at the end of the show.
Christian played blues, flamenco, rock, r&b, jazz, funk and hip-hop, moving between the styles flawlessly. A few songs broke down into all out percussion jams, with Evan on congas and drummer Terry Spears on a djembe. The trio kept the crowd wondering was coming next.
The trio -- a side project of members of Tufu, a larger jazz ensemble -- also includes electric and acoustic bassist Moncree Coleman, who also has an amazing voice (but only sang one song).
Judging by the crowd, Christian already has a following and it is sure to grow. He plays Fri., Oct. 12, at Millenium on Water St. It should be another great performance by a great young musician.
