52 Weeks of Cleveland: Double Down: Brothers Lounge & Kristine Jackson

So right down the street from The Chamber is conveniently Brothers Lounge. We have talked about Brothers in the past. My reviews were honest but more always on the sketchy line of "Good but could be better". I have not been in the concert hall for quite some time, and I wanted to go see Kristine Jackson for the first time (yeah embarassing huh? and I call myself a Clevelander). I can say without a doubt the sound in the hall was excellent. The service at the packed bar was quick. The patrons at the bar were very cool letting people scoot in to order a couple drinks. The Bartender Craig was awesome and fast. The crowd was respectful in listening to the band. The cover charge was $5. I think this helps weed out the folks that use it for a place to talk loud and not pay attention to the band in the front bar. You can hear the band fine out there and talk all you want and not annoy people who actually came to enjoy the show.

The patio out back is very nice. It's a nice secluded, albeit on the sterile side, area to enjoy the evening summer night, have a cocktail and a smoke. Some greenery out there would be nice. The concert hall is great with one thing I would change. The ventilation of that hall blows and not in a good way. Multimillion dollar rehab of the joint and there is not a single fan to be found. The hall is huge, and it can get very packed. The lack of airflow through the joint makes it a bit on the muggy side. So invest a few more bucks in the place and get some fans in the hall and some plants on the patio and you got something I will never be able to be able to bitch about. The Manager, John Golubic, was out there busting his ass in all three bars making sure everyone was enjoying their experience. He is like watching a choreographed well oiled machine making sure everyone is being taken care of. So, that being said Brothers, you obviously have a top notch staff, good food, nice sound system, nice decor and a great following just get some air flowing through the place.

Kristine Jackson...ah Kristine Jackson. Here's my problem in a nutshell; you hear the same name over and over again and you kind of blow it off. Ahhhhh I'll see her some other time. Well some other time finally came and I am pretty happy it did. I am also glad I saw her with the full band as it was amazing. Gs Harper on guitar, Mike Petrone on keys and (hey I never said I was a great reviewer) a really great bass player and drummer who you got me on their names. Every single person in that band brought something to the table that blended perfectly with one another. Kristine Jackson is an amazing singer and guitar player. Is she one of the best in the Cleveland area? Absolutely, and I am confident in saying that after only seeing her one time. She has this sultry, smokey voice that just absolutely sucks you in and she plays the guitar with the skill and ease of Curtis Loew (yeah go look it up for your obscure music reference of the day). Gs, is Gs. He is amazing with a powerful soulful voice and man can he play guitar. Petrone? Holy shit can he play those keyboards. I have never seen such keyboard mastery since seeing Medeski, Martin and Wood live. Yeah he is that good. At time subdued in the background other times letting loose like a madman slapping around both of his keyboards like the keys were an extension of his fingers.

If you are an idiot like me that has yet to see Kristine Jackson do yourself a favor and check her out. For that matter go see any of these guys (and gal) solo and you will be pleased. I took some kick ass pictures, and I feel like showcasing some of them so hope you enjoy the pictorial.