Local singer-songwriter Susan Weber’s headlining gig at Sachsenheim Hall tonight doubles as a preview of the songs that will appear on her new album next year. The still-untitled CD — which features tunes that have been part of her repertoire for more than three years — is due in early spring. “We finally pinned down the 12 songs,” Weber says. “We’ve been doing a lot of recording.”
Weber and her band, Monet’s Orbit, are top-billed at tonight’s show, which also includes sets by jazz-poet Ray McNiece’s Tongue and alt-rockers Morticia’s Chair. “It’s an eclectic bill,” says Weber. “But we all have something to say.” Weber — who released a solo acoustic album a few years ago — sounds like a heartland version of Patti Smith. But instead of wordy poetic ramblings, Weber injects Midwest muscle into her songs. She calls the sound “lean rock.” “We have a lot to draw from,” she says. “My drummer has a background in jazz, rock, and musical theater. And my bass player is a sponge. We’re definitely a collaborative effort.”
Sat., Dec. 23, 9 p.m.
This article appears in Dec 20-26, 2006.