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Show Wednesday September 18 1996 Arjs S Entertainment The Forum ft a Taste-bu- d by Mel Parkinson Art & Entertainment Editor Its a Friday evening, smoke-fdle- d and from the recesses of the Ashbury Pub comes the succulent crooning of Sweet Loretta singer Michael Hessling. If you close your eyes and allow her luxuriant voice to wash over your body, the mental picture formed ' is that of a black soul diva1 reaching into the core of her being and emanating a stunning conglomeration of arresting vocal ability and emo- ng gut-wrenchi- tion. But open your eyes, and you may be surprised to find that Hessling is not a prophet of ethnic oriein, but a slight pixie with a Herculean voice that far surpasses her stature. She is an icon for the entire band a collection of musicians whose ability to induce euphoric drunkenness among their audience far exceeds their physical appearances. Sweet Loretta is a five-pie- ensemble ce which blends excellent musician-ship- , heartfelt lyrics and an affinity for a good time into a hybrid progeny of rock, soul and blues. The fusion yields a hip-swayin- g, groove-enhance- d rhythm which will tie you in knots with its intensity and liquefy you with its soulfulness. In the rhap- The rn J section will be a regular column in The Forum Locals Only featuring local bands around Salt Lake City. If you are interested in having your band featured in this weekly column, please contact the Arts &. Entertainment Editor at The Forum office, 488-4156. sodic love song and fan fave Woke Up In Love, Hessling drags forth a traditional blues sound, soaring on the high notes and huskily belting out the low revealing her amazing diversity. Onlookers drop their jaws, marveling at the inconceivable might emitted by this slip of a girl. Accompanied by a sensual swaying rhythm, hips begin to shimmy and heads roll as Sweet Loretta leads you through this sound extravaganza. The band consists of Mary Tebbs (guitarvocals Ken songwriting), Critchfield (bass), Page McGinnis (guitar), Adam Sorenson (drummer) and Hessling. While these five musicians are all technically proficient, it is the joy they find in playing for themselves and others that makes their shows so electrifying. While on stage, each player is engrossed in the art of developing their sound and they revel in what they produce. Each visage is painted in pure ecstasy as they embrace the vibes reverberating off each other and the crowd. We really enjoy what were doing, says Tebbs. I love standing back and watching Adam take over on drums or Kens face while hes playing his bass. It all just has a really good feel to it. This fact is evident in the amount of growth the band has experienced musically, in the past six months. Their potent style has become downright dangerous in recent performances as they work both their fans and themselves into a frenzy. Tebbs, who originally wrote all the songs for the band, has Three guys, two gals and a juggernaut of harmonious soul. Adam Sorenson, Page McGinnis, Ken Critchfield, Mary Tebbs ana Michael Hessling clockwise from the left. Photo by Cary Peterson. Persona and 3rd for Best Acoustic Guitar. Hessling was voted Best Female Vocalist. Sorenson won Best Drums. McGinnis took 2nd place for Best Electric Guitar. And the band as a whole was voted Best Funk and Blues, Band Most Likely to Make it Big, Best Band to Dance To and took Lorettas best original 2nd for Band of the Year. works. The project has been begun sharing that endeavor with the other band members, producing new works that have a truly group flavor to them. Their gel as a band has resulted in a decision to release their first CD due out next month. Taste Your Kiss will be an eleven song compilation of Sweet entirely through I I Thurs. Sept. 26 Burts Tiki I Lounge I Fri. Sept. 27 The Paper I Moon ! self-financ- ed revenues, gig band to have the enabling more control during the recording process. This recording is sure to make a huge splash among local music fans once released, as they bask in the majesty of the music in the privacy of their own homes and cars. (Caution to the reader: dancing to the funk of Sweet Loretta in the shower could cause injury. This writer or paper take no responsibility for any harm which may result from a failure to heed this warning.) Catch the contagious vibe of this fine band onstage. Serious admirers should take to the dance floor, not expecting to d emerge for hours, sweat-soake- drained. Sat. Sept. 21 Ashbury Pub and emotionally Sweet Loretta and its bers were honored in the recent Private Eye Weekly mem- readers music poll. Tebbs won Best Songwriter and Lyricist, 2nd for Best Stage MICHELANGELO Ristorante Italiano Where Dining is a Fine Art The Renaissance of Authentic Italian Cusine Pesci Antipasti Cappuccino Insalate Espresso - t Zuppe Risotti Desserts- t V ' ' . Now Open for Lunch and Dinner 466-096- 1 2156 S. Highland Dr. SLC, UT |