“How the son of a rabbi from Jersey went Brazilian, we’re not quite sure…”
Isn’t that the plot to The Jazz Singer?

Avi Wisnia reminds me of when I first started listening to lounge music. This is back just before graduating high school, fresh off a stint with thrash metal, and a bit burned out by its dueling harmonized guitar leads. I yearned for something a bit more mellow; music that showcased the sonorous voice of a veteran stage vamp or mustachioed crooner. Those smoky bar jazz yearnings have been reawakened by a 30-minute listening session with Avi Wisnia, and while my love of dual harmonized guitar leads has since returned, I gotta give it up to those performers who turn their vim and vigor inwards, and suggest where others proclaim.

Geez, that’s a real roundabout way of saying I dig on Avi’s lounge-y, honey-voiced jazz.

While, “Rabbit Hole,” the first song that popped up on Avi’s page, instantly struck me a G. Love & Special Sauce (hold the sauce, please) meets a Jonathan Richman that you can take home to your parents (you know, less bug-eye stare, more witty conversation), with a later-day Elvis Costello delivery. The winking jazz hinted at with that first track comes into full blossom with “Something New” and “Sunday Afternoon,” which drift along in a pleasant haze. I’m digging it. For those in the NYC area, check out his upcoming show dates after the jump. But first, acquire an appreciation for expensive cigars and fine single malts; that might be your best way of preparing for Avi’s music.

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Today on Synthesis’ Long Winded and Unfortunately Titled Synthesis Band You’ve Never Heard of Band of the Day, we bring you a band that some have actually heard about. Seattle’s Iceage Cobra (originally from Spokane) has been around for a while and done a few national tours (including stops at media-whore mecca SXSW), and released a full length album, Brilliant Ideas from Amazing People. The album’s radical, but you want to see these guys live because SHIT GETS NUTTY.

Mic stands are ditched, full stacks blow your ears out, high kicks wizz by your brow and beer gets spilt, hella.

We interviewed Iceage Cobra in the Synthesis Weekly when they came through town, and asked guitarist Jordan West about his stage moves. Our photo guru Mike Z caught Iceage Cobra in their natural habitat: wrocking.

You’re either going to love our band of the day, or hate it with a bloody passion. The jury’s still out for me, but at the moment I’m leaning toward the former. This act, 99 Cent Whore, featuring actress Mary Birdsong (who plays Deputy Kimball on Comedy Central’s Reno 911!) revs up the schlock and shock factor of its titular frontwoman’s profession. Seems her life didn’t turn out exactly how she thought it would: hence, “99 Cent Whore,” her name and vocation.
The music is macho-rock/pop, full of fist-pumping,headband sweating potential, complete with metal pick squeals and thick-head posturing. the whole this is…well…it’s a bit grating. But from what I gather, it’s not about the music as much as it is the performance and the punch lines, a few of which got me when I wasn’t expecting. You know what? Come to think of it, the jury’s in. I’m liking (licking?) me some 99 Cent Whore.

Here’s a visual sampling for your earballs.