Show Preview: Laura Reed w/ Chit Nasty Band

Laura Reed performs at The Pour House
in Raleigh, NC on Friday, August 23

Laura Reed's music is like a conglomeration of many different musical styles. One can feel the vast array of influences oozing from her music, the structure follows that of a typical singer-songwriter but as she's grown as an artist these songs have received far more pomp and fanfare. The South African born songwriter cut her teeth in the North Carolina based band Deep Pocket, an act with a similar soulful base much like her current output. Deep Pocket received a fair bit of attention, they performed at Shakori Hills and played quite a few high profile shows. However, none of the work with Deep Pocket amounts to the magnitude of Laura Reed's new solo excursions.

Reed hooked up with Nashville based producer Paul Worley (Dixie Chicks, Lady Antebellum) and suddenly her music flourished. Worley connected Reed with the Grammy Award-winning songwriter Shannon Sanders (India.Arie, John Legend) and the two began working on Reeds forthcoming solo album The Awakening. The album couldn't be more aptly titled, as working with Sanders has given Reed's music the boost that it needed to reach the masses. Reed's quintessential messages of hope, unity and inspiration are still found in bunches, but the songs pack a heavier punch. The Awakening's lead single "Wake Up" is the perfect example of this, the song is filled with vibrant rhythms, robust melodies and a constant, snapping drumbeat that compels listeners to tap a foot, nod their head or let loose in uninhibited dance.

That's the sort of honesty that's being conveyed through Reed's music, it's an innate desire to spread joy. Reed has recently been opening for acts like India.Arie, Miguel and Anthony Hamilton, but this Friday night she'll be tearing down The Pour House with her rambunctious take on soulful R&B. The Chit Nasty Band will be opening the show, another funky, groove-driven band that promises to bring a vivacious live set. The show begins at 10:00 pm and tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.