Critics’ Pick
Best Vocalist: Bernadette Seacrest
Not since Francine Reed settled here 25 years ago has a singer new to the Atlanta scene made such an indelible first impression as BERNADETTE SEACREST. The irony is that the jazz chanteuse is more popular in Europe than in her adopted city, but don’t expect that to last long. Seacrest sings torch songs with a fragile and haunting voice that is Billie Holiday cross-pollinated with Madeleine Peyroux. Both members of her two-piece band are alumni of Col. Bruce Hampton — former Aquarium Rescue Unit guitarist Charlie Williams and current Quark Alliance bassist Chris Dale. Seacrest, who moved to Atlanta from Albuquerque in 2006, didn’t even take up singing until six years ago. Catch her now before Atlanta finally discovers her. You’ll be struck first by her tattoos, then you’ll be captivated by her voice.
I’m fightin’ my tears, tooth and nail
Perched on this stool, all by myself
The love I lost is not even cold
Why can’t a woman be left all alone
Cause nobody here’s cryin’
I don’t mean to sound unkind
But save your sympathy
For someone who’s in need
Cause nobody here’s cryin’
You bring me a drink with a smile in your eye
Pull up a stool but that’s all it buys
I’m afraid I’m not gonna be good company
But try if you like you’re not leavin’ here with me
Cause nobody here’s cryin’
I don’t mean to sound unkind
But save your sympathy
For someone who’s in need
Cause nobody here’s cryin’
You ask me if you could be any help
I’m wounded and cornered you better watch yourself
I fell so hard the last time around
A few more drinks and I’m probably gonna drown
Cause nobody here’s cryin’
I don’t mean to sound unkind
But save your sympathy
For someone who’s in need
Cause nobody here’s cryin’
